March 2026 Edition

    Marked each year on March 4, World Obesity Day reminds us that obesity is far more than a lifestyle issue; it is a complex, chronic disease with wide-ranging metabolic, infectious, neurological, and oncological consequences. This edition of GEMS reflects that evolving understanding, bringing together diverse and impactful research that underscores the urgency of addressing obesity and its ripple effects. We begin with compelling global evidence highlighting the link between obesity and increased risk of severe infections, reinforcing the need to view excess weight as a factor influencing immune resilience. Expanding this perspective, emerging research on early-life nutrition reveals how exposure to unhealthy foods can permanently alter brain circuits regulating appetite, shaping lifelong metabolic risk.

    Lifestyle factors remain central to diabetes care, as explored in our article on alcohol intake and its association with reduced micronutrient consumption in men with type 2 diabetes. At the same time, therapeutic innovation continues to surprise us, GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used in diabetes and obesity, are now being investigated for their potential role in reducing substance-use disorders. Beyond physiological outcomes, this edition also highlights the growing recognition of the mind–metabolism connection. Our feature on glycaemic variability emphasizes its influence on mood, anxiety, and quality of life, reminding us that diabetes management must extend beyond numbers to patient well-being. On the innovation front, we showcase a promising light-activated microneedle patch for chronic diabetic wound healing, an exciting step toward advanced, targeted therapies. Additionally, new evidence linking postmenopausal obesity with increased risk of ER-positive breast cancer broadens the conversation on obesity’s long-term health implications.

    Complementing these insights, our GEMS Recipe, a nutritious Spicy Tofu Scramble, offers a practical, plant-based approach to healthy eating, aligning with the theme of metabolic wellness and prevention.

    Finally, Don’t Miss our picture and video of the month

    As we continue to foster learning and collaboration, we are pleased to announce that registrations are now open for JPEF 2026. We warmly invite healthcare professionals and researchers to participate and contribute to shaping the future of diabetes care.

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Regards

JDC Diabetes Gems Team
Jothydev's Diabetes and Research Centres
Trivandrum, Attingal and Kochi, Kerala, INDIA
+91 9846040055, +91 9562040055 , +91 9746366655
http://www.jothydev.net