D-Talk

In this episode, host Phyllisa Deroze is joined by Emma Klatman to explore the urgent need for equitable diabetes care for children and young people with type 1 diabetes in low-resource settings. They discuss how efforts led by organisations such as Life for a Child provide life-saving insulin, support, and advocacy to over 60,000 young people in more than 50 countries, and examine how global policy can better respond to clinical needs.

In this dedicated World Diabetes Day episode, host Phyllisa Deroze welcomes three advocates from the IDF Blue Circle Voices network to explore how people with diabetes navigate challenges at work, such as disclosing a diagnosis and balancing self-care with professional responsibilities. The discussion also highlights the need for more inclusive, understanding and supportive work environments.

Diabetes-related eye complications are a growing but preventable cause of vision loss worldwide. In this episode, host Phyllisa Deroze is joined by Dr Rebecca Thomas to explore the latest findings from the 11th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, which indicate that nearly 1 in 3 people with diabetes have some form of retinopathy - 1 in 10 of whom develop sight-threatening conditions, such as proliferative retinopathy or macular oedema. Diabetes-related eye complications can develop without noticeable symptoms, so regular eye checks are vital. The good news is that in regions such as South and Central America and the Western Pacific, improved screening and access to care have helped reduce rates. But disparities persist, especially in Europe and South-east Asia. Tune in as we unpack global trends, examine innovations like AI grading and telemedicine, and highlight how national screening programmes can influence policy for more equitable, life-saving care. 

In this episode of D-Talk, we explore type 5 diabetes, a lesser-known, but recently recognised type of diabetes, linked to chronic undernutrition, especially in childhood. Host Phyllisa Deroze is joined by Dr Meredith Hawkins, the Chair of the new IDF Type 5 Diabetes Working Group, and Co-Chair Dr Nihal Thomas to unpack the science, learn their research journeys and discuss why this type of diabetes needs our attention. From misdiagnosis to missed opportunities, this is a story about how the power of research is giving hope to over 20 million people.

What do type 2 diabetes and dementia have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, host Phyllisa Deroze speaks with Professor Kaarin Anstey, a leading expert in ageing and brain health, to unpack the growing evidence linking the two conditions. Drawing on insights from the 11th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, they explore how the age of diabetes onset, vascular risks, and long-term management can influence cognitive decline. With dementia cases rising fastest in low- and middle-income countries, this conversation shines a light on why early detection, lifestyle interventions, and integrated care must be part of the global health agenda.

Diabetes and obesity are rising worldwide but not in the same way everywhere. In this episode of D-Talk, host Phyllisa Deroze speaks with leading researchers Doctor Ranjit Mohan Anjana from India and Doctor Ronald Ma from China to explore how ethnicity shapes risk, presentation and outcomes. From South Asia’s “thin-fat” paradox to East Asian genetic vulnerabilities, our guests detail the global diversity of diabetes. Tune in to learn why a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work and how more inclusive, tailored healthcare can lead to better outcomes for all. 

In this episode of D-Talk, host Phyllisa Deroze is joined by Rob Howe, a former professional basketball player and founder of Diabetics Doing Things, and Kyle Jacques Rose, a former elite cyclist and currently Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation. Together, they explore the connection between physical activity and diabetes management. From competing professionally to advocating globally, they share the powerful role movement plays in managing diabetes, and how mindset, technology and community make it all possible. Whether you're starting your first walk or training for your next marathon, this episode is full of encouragement, practical advice and heartfelt reflections.

What does global youth advocacy in diabetes really look like? In this episode of D-Talk, host Phyllisa Deroze is joined by diabetes advocates from IDF’s Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) programme—both current YLDs and recent alumni. Together, they share how the programme has shaped their personal journeys, expanded their professional networks and inspired impactful projects around the world. From overcoming motivational challenges to advocating for access to care in under-resourced communities, these young changemakers reveal what it takes to lead with purpose. 

In this episode of D-Talk, host Phyllisa Deroze welcomes Professors Dianna Magliano and Ed Boyko, co-chairs of the IDF Diabetes Atlas Committee, to unpack the 11th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, launched recently at the IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025 in Bangkok. Together, they dive into the latest global, regional, and national diabetes data, examining how this evidence-based resource has evolved since its first publication in 2000. Discover key trends, hidden risks, and what the data means for the future of diabetes care worldwide.