Diabetes News You Can Use – May 2026

Diabetes News You Can Use is a free news bulletin from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). It is compiled by the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program and highlights information and news related to diabetes.

In This Issue

• Spotlight
• Programs in Texas
• Diabetes News & Resources
• Journal Articles
• Diabetes Education Opportunities & Events
• FAQs
• Feedback

Spotlight

Standards of Care in Diabetes – 2026

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released the gold standard in evidence-based guidelines for diagnosing and managing diabetes and prediabetes. The “Standards of Care in Diabetes – 2026” guidelines feature the latest scientific research for optimal diabetes care. Glucose-lowering medications, nutrition, and overall management resources are included in the guidelines. Also, the guidelines discuss diabetes technology, such as glucose monitoring tools. Other updates include guidance in behavioral health screenings, new insulin therapy algorithms, and guidance for older adults. To review the 2026 Standards of Care, visit the ADA.

Programs in Texas

Camp Bluebonnet

Camp Bluebonnet is a children’s Type 1 diabetes camp located in Georgetown, TX. This summer camp is designed to help children develop confidence in managing their diabetes, with a supportive environment and camp activities that reinforce that experience. The camp focuses on newly diagnosed families and younger children, ranging from first to twelfth graders. Registration is now open for the main summer camp taking place June 15-19, 2026, as well as single day events which introduce the camp to children and their parents. To learn more about this program, visit Camp Bluebonnet. To find similar camps near you, visit Very Special Camps.

Texas A&M University’s Diabetes Education Program

Texas A&M University’s Healthy South Texas program offers a diabetes education program to support individuals in building sustainable habits and improving their health. Enrollment includes an 8-hour class that can be completed in one full day or split into four weekly sessions, quarterly lab work for one year, and ongoing support with a health educator throughout the year. Classes are offered in English and Spanish and cover key topics such as understanding diabetes, monitoring blood sugar, and incorporating exercise into daily life. The program also provides resources for individuals who need help accessing medication or healthcare services. To learn more, visit Texas A&M University Healthy South Texas.

Diabetes News & Resources

UT Health San Antonio Launches Center for Excellence in Diabetes

The University of Texas at San Antonio launched a new Center for Excellence in Diabetes, designed to advance clinical care, research, and innovation for people with diabetes in South Texas and beyond. Their objective is to “transform how we prevent, understand, and treat diabetes.” The facility serves as a collaborative hub to better understand diabetes and its associated complications, as well as to develop prevention, management, and treatment strategies. Additionally, clinical trials will be conducted for research and to create new therapies. To learn more about this new facility, visit the Center for Excellence in Diabetes.

Advancing Employer Coverage for Diabetes Prevention: A Practical Tool for Public Health Action

In collaboration with the CDC, and in support of efforts to expand coverage for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) developed Healm. This online platform offers education to help organizations understand, design, and implement coverage for the National DPP lifestyle change program. To learn more about this tool, visit the NACDD website.

Journal Articles

“Joint and Independent Associations of Gestational Diabetes and Depression with Childhood Obesity”

February 2026 – JAMA Network

This study examines whether gestational diabetes and prenatal depression are independently or jointly associated with risk of childhood obesity. Findings reveal that children exposed to both conditions in utero had a higher risk of obesity compared to those unexposed to either condition. These findings emphasize the need for universal prenatal screening and risk stratification, along with targeted interventions for children exposed to these conditions. To learn more about this study, read the complete article.

“A Review of the Fear of Hypoglycemia Literature in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes and their Caregivers”

March 2026 – Springer Nature

Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is the most common complication of Type 1 diabetes. Prolonged or frequent hypoglycemia can result in neurological damage, seizures, loss of consciousness, and death. Anxiety and fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) is often the case for people with Type 1 diabetes and their families or caregivers, especially for youth. FOH is identified in research as a barrier to effective self-management for children and adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes. This fear can influence decisions around insulin use and physical activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure, as well as response prevention are used as treatment for FOH. To learn more about FOH, read the complete article.

“Association of Life’s Essential 8 with Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality in Adults with Prediabetes: Mediating Role of Inflammatory Biomarkers”

April 2026 – Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

Prediabetes intervention, with lifestyle modification as its first-line therapy, is an emerging method to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular complications. This study investigates the association of Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) with cardiovascular outcomes and mortality among individuals with prediabetes, and the role of inflammation in these relationships. Findings indicate that achieving optimal LE8 metrics is significantly associated with reduced cardiovascular risk and mortality in people with prediabetes, and systemic inflammation partially explains these associations. To learn more about this study, read the complete article.

Diabetes Education Opportunities & Events

Diabetes Day of Education 2026

Diabetes Day of Education is a premier event hosted by Pharmacy Times Continuing Education (PTCE). The free event provides insights into best practices for integrating continuing glucose monitoring (CGM) and upcoming ketone monitoring technologies for people living with diabetes. The event is a live virtual broadcast that takes place on May 14, 2026, at 10 a.m., for both the community and pharmacy technicians. For more information, visit PTCE Diabetes Day of Education.

CDC Group Coaching Certificate Program

The CDC Group Coaching Certificate Program is a six-month advanced training program designed to enhance the coaching skills of National DPP Lifestyle Coaches. The program runs from May 14 – November 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT. The sessions will be every Thursday for 2 hours, for 6 months. Benefits include access to CDC-approved training materials and networking with other lifestyle coaches and master trainers. More details about the training event can be found at CDC Group Coaching Certificate Program.

Texas Diabetes Council

The mission of the Texas Diabetes Council (TDC) is to effectively reduce the health and economic burdens of diabetes in Texas. The TDC meets four times a year in public meetings. The next council meeting is on July 23, 2026. For more information, visit the TDC webpage.

On-Demand Unlicensed Diabetes Care Assistants (UDCA) Training

The Region 4 Education Center offers on-demand training for Unlicensed Diabetes Care Assistants (UDCA). This self-paced course takes 3 to 4 hours and uses the ADA’s “Safe at School?” materials. It teaches non-medical staff the basics of glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and emergency response. Completion of this program ensures that campuses have a trained team capable of providing essential care to students with diabetes when a school nurse is not immediately available. To learn more about the training, visit the Region 4 webpage.

ADCES Events & Webinars

The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) offers virtual events and webinars all year long. These resources aim to expand learning with a diabetes online education course or recorded webinar on the most recent topics in diabetes care and education. Virtual events held from March to May, covering topics including insulin delivery and lifestyle coach training, are now available to rewatch on demand. To register for an upcoming webinar, visit ADCES.

FAQs

Q: Will exercise help me manage my diabetes?

A: Yes, exercise can help manage diabetes. Exercise helps to lower blood glucose levels and boost insulin sensitivity, countering insulin resistance. It also helps maintain a healthy weight, which is important for diabetes management. For more insights, visit Weekly Exercise Targets.

Q: Does insulin cause weight gain?

A: Some people may experience weight gain when starting insulin therapy, but this can often be managed with proper diet and exercise. For more information on the link between insulin and weight gain, visit Mayo Clinic.

Feedback

For any questions or feedback regarding our newsletter, or ideas for future newsletter topics, please email the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program at diabetes@dshs.texas.gov.

The articles and hyperlinks to external websites appearing in this newsletter are intended to be informational and do not represent an endorsement by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Other websites may not be accessible to people with disabilities. External email addresses may also be provided as a courtesy. If you choose to correspond, please be advised that DSHS policies may not apply. For information about any of the programs listed, contact the sponsoring organization directly.

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