Diabetes Institute Updates June 2026

Diabetes Institute Updates

June 2026

ADA 2026 SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS-DIABETES INSTITUTE TEAM HIGHLIGHTS

STUDENTS AND FACULTY PRESENT AT ADA

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2026 Scientific Sessions was held June 5-8 in New Orleans this year with over 11,000 attendees and highlighted the intersection of diabetes, obesity, cardiometabolic disease and technology. The Diabetes Institute team had a record of 10 posters accepted this year. Students from the Masters’s of Science in Medical Health Science and College of Osteopathic Medicine programs, together with the Diabetology fellow and faculty at Touro University California presented innovative research and scholarly work spanning a wide range of topics including community-based screening and classification criteria in Type 1 Diabates (T1DM), applications of generative artificial intelligence and large language models in dietary counseling and pharmacotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM), social determinants of health and hyperlipidemia, fasting and cognition, as well as evaluation of liver screening programs in primary care and the community.

Several themes emerged at this year’s scientific sessions including advances in diabetes technologies in continuous glucose monitoring, automated insulin delivery systems, digital health tools; immunotherapy and disease modifying interventions in T1DM; updates on hyperglycemia management in T2DM as well as integration of obesity and cardiometabolic management in diabetes care. For updates on this year’s scientific meeting, visit: https://www.adameetingnews.org/

HEARTSTRONG PROGRAM

PEER TO PEER COMMUNITY SELF-MONITORING BLOOD PRESSURE PROJECT

In 2022, the US Department of Health and Human Services reported that Black/African American adults were 85% more likely to die from essential hypertension and hypertensive renal disease than overall US adults. As an effort to improve heart health awareness among Black/African Americans in the community, MOBEC implemented the HeartStrong Program in Fall of 2025, a pilot program partnering with Emmanuel Temple Apostolic Church.

The HeartStrong Program trains Heart-to-Heart Ambassadors to promote self-monitoring blood pressures at their local church with the aim to reduce heart disease and its complications. Training includes teaching correct blood pressures measurement techniques and raising awareness of heart health practices within their own communities. Equipment, educational materials, training and support are provided to the Ambassadors to carry out this mission.

COM and PA students like Connor Hatfield, Randal Ilechukwu, and Bianca Gaitan-Ochoa working with MOBEC helped launch this new project. Partnering with faith-based organizations, MOBEC provides convenient, no-cost education to their congregation on heart disease prevention. We hope to expand this program in Solano County. For students and organizations interested, please contact Anne Lee at alee26@touro.edu.

BUILDING HEALTHY FAMILIES PROGRAM

DREAM TEAM STARTS NEW PEDIATRIC DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM.

The Diabetes Research Education And Management (DREAM) team has been awarded a sub-contract of the NIH-funded study, the Building Healthy Families (BHF) program. BHF is a family-based pediatric program for children 6-12 years old and their families focused on identifying healthier food choices, modifying unhealthy behaviors and increasing physical activity.

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes is on the rise in children and adolescents. It is estimated that one in three US adolescents have prediabetes and approximately 40% of children diagnosed with diabetes each year have type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program has demonstrated that type 2 diabetes in adults can be delayed or prevented. It is time to put prevention to work in our children and adolescents with family-based lifestyle programs like BHF, a CDC-recognized program. Here at Touro University California, BHF is led by Melissa Belec, DO, MPH; Anne Lee, RD, MEd, CDCES; Traci Stevenson, DO; Grace Jones, PhD; and Jay Shubrook, DO.

We are actively recruiting families with children ages 6-12 who have prediabetes or risk factors for diabetes. The program is one year in length and will include a family-inclusive intervention featuring cooking demos, games, and activities to support healthy living and physical activity for all. To learn more, please go to: https://buildinghealthyfamilies.us/interest/ or email Grace Jones (Recruitment Coordinator- gjones7@touro.edu) or Jay Shubrook (Project Director- jshubroo@touro.edu)

We are recruiting now for the Fall 2026 start.

SUCCESS WITH DIABETES

LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES STARTS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT

Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes can feel overwhelming. You may have questions about what to eat, how to manage medications, how stress affects your blood sugar, or how to stay healthy and active as you age. The good news is—you don’t have to figure it out alone. Success with Diabetes is a 6‑session education and support program designed to empower participants with practical tools, trusted information, and encouragement to take charge of their health—one step at a time.

The program combines education, discussion, and peer support in a welcoming environment. Over six interactive sessions, participants learn how everyday choices can make a meaningful difference in managing diabetes and improving quality of life.

Rather than focusing on rules or restrictions, the program emphasizes real‑life strategies that fit into daily routines. Participants are encouraged to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another—because living with diabetes is easier when you have support.

Each session covers important topics that help participants better understand diabetes and how to live well with it. When participants leave the program, they feel more informed, motivated, and confident in managing their condition.

One of the most important strengths of Success with Diabetes is its culturally responsive approach. The program can be offered in multiple languages and adapted to reflect cultural food traditions, values, and health beliefs. This ensures that participants receive information that is not only accurate, but also meaningful and relevant to their lives. In the last six months, we have launched two sessions in Spanish, one session in-person and one on-line.

This program is ideal for:

Adults with type 2 diabetes
Individuals newly diagnosed or living with diabetes for many years
Anyone looking for education, motivation, and peer support

No prior diabetes education is required—just a willingness to learn and take steps toward better health.

Take the Next Step Toward Success. Living with diabetes doesn’t mean giving up the things you enjoy. With the right knowledge and support, it’s possible to live a full, active, and healthy life.

Success with Diabetes offers the tools, guidance, and encouragement you need to move forward with confidence. Join others in your community, learn from experienced educators, and discover how small changes can lead to lasting success.

👉 Register today to learn more and take control of your diabetes journey, https://linktr.ee/diabetestuca

NATIONAL DPP LIFESTYLE CHANGE PROGRAM

WORKING TO PREVENT TYPE 2 DIABETES

Are you ready to make a lasting change for your health and future? The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Change Program is a proven, empowering journey designed to help individuals with prediabetes take control and even reverse their diagnosis.

Prediabetes does not have to lead to type 2 diabetes. With the right tools, guidance, and support, you can make meaningful lifestyle changes that lead to real results. That’s exactly what our DPP program is all about.

This one-year program, offered once or twice each year, provides participants with the knowledge, support, and motivation needed to adopt healthier habits that last a lifetime. Through guided sessions, you’ll learn how to:

Improve nutrition and eating habits
Increase physical activity
Manage stress and stay motivated
Build sustainable, healthy routines

Our trained lifestyle coaches and supportive group setting create an environment where participants feel encouraged, inspired, and accountable every step of the way.

Our hybrid (In-Person + Distance Learning) program allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds with a flexible combination of in-person sessions and virtual classes via Zoom.

Our first hybrid cohort launched in November 2025, marking an exciting step toward increased accessibility. In this format, participants meet in person for select sessions while completing most of the program online—perfect for those balancing busy schedules while still wanting meaningful engagement.

We’re gearing up for our next DPP cohort, starting in Fall 2026, and we’re looking for motivated individuals who are ready to take that important first step toward better health.

Join the Movement. This isn’t just a program—it’s a community committed to wellness, growth, and lasting change. By joining Touro University California’s National DPP Lifestyle Change Program, you’re not only investing in your own health—you’re becoming part of a movement to prevent diabetes and build a healthier future for our community.

Take control. Stay motivated. Change your life.

For more information or to enroll in the upcoming Fall 2026 session, contact us today—we’re here to support you on your journey to better health. TUC's National DPP

NATIONAL DPP LIFESTYLE COACH TRAINING

BECOME A LIFESTYLE COACH

As rates of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes continue to rise nationwide, Touro University California is expanding its efforts to equip community members with the tools to make a difference. Through its Diabetes Institute, the university is offering the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Coach Training, a program designed to prepare individuals to lead effective, community-based prevention efforts.

The training program focuses on developing “lifestyle coaches,” individuals who are trained to guide participants through the National DPP Lifestyle Change Program—an evidence-based initiative aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle coaches play a key role in helping participants adopt healthier habits. They support individuals in improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and achieving modest weight loss—changes that are proven to significantly reduce diabetes risk.

Research has demonstrated the impact of structured prevention programs. Participants who complete a lifestyle change program can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 58 percent—and even higher, 71 percent, among adults over age 60. These findings highlight the importance of expanding access to trained coaches who can deliver this life-changing education at the community level.

Touro’s training program is one of only a limited number of recognized training entities nationwide authorized to prepare National DPP lifestyle coaches. This coaches can go on to serve in healthcare settings, workplaces, and community-based organizations. In 2025, over sixty coaches were trained by Touro's program.

The course itself consists of approximately 12 hours of interactive instruction, combining practical skill-building with real-world application. Participants learn techniques such as motivational interviewing, group facilitation, goal setting, and strategies to support behavior change over time. The training is designed to be accessible to a wide range of individuals, including healthcare professionals, community health workers, educators, and anyone interested in promoting health and wellness.

Certified Lifestyle Coaches are equipped to lead group-based or virtual sessions, helping participants set achievable goals and stay engaged throughout the prevention program. Coaches also learn how to adapt sessions to meet the needs of diverse populations, taking into account cultural, dietary, and accessibility considerations.

Trainings are offered throughout the year, often in a convenient virtual format via Zoom, making it easier for residents across Solano County and beyond to participate. Upcoming sessions include multi-day trainings that provide comprehensive preparation for those ready to take on a leadership role in diabetes prevention.

In addition to supporting individual participants, this training program also strengthens community health systems by building a network of trained leaders who can deliver prevention programs in local neighborhoods. Organizations with groups interested in training may also qualify for discounted rates, expanding opportunities for community-wide impact.

Touro University California continues to focus on addressing health disparities through education, outreach, and prevention-focused initiatives. The DPP Lifestyle Coach Training program represents a proactive approach to reducing the burden of chronic disease while empowering local residents to become advocates for healthier living.

More information about training dates and registration can be found on Touro University California’s website at diabetesprevention.tu.edu. One elective course credit is available to TUC COM, COP and PA students.

MOBILE DIABETES EDUCATION CENTER (MOBEC)

SERVING SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES

MOBEC continues helping bridge healthcare gaps by delivering free diabetes and cardiovascular services directly to residents throughout Solano and Napa Counties.

MOBEC is designed with one clear purpose: to meet people where they are. By partnering with community centers, faith-based organizations, and housing complexes, the mobile unit provides convenient, no-cost screenings and educational resources to individuals who might otherwise face barriers to care.

The program offers a range of services aimed at prevention and early intervention, including blood glucose testing, blood pressure checks, and cardiovascular risk assessments. These services are paired with educational support focused on diabetes prevention, management, and heart health. Participants also receive guidance on healthy lifestyle changes, such as nutrition and physical activity, that can help reduce long-term health risks.

Residents who attend MOBEC events are also connected to ongoing resources for follow-up care when needed. Educational materials, one-on-one consultations, and referrals to community resources are all part of the comprehensive support offered.

Diabetes remains a significant public health concern in California and across the United States, with millions of individuals either diagnosed or at risk. Early detection and education are key components in preventing complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss. Programs like MOBEC play a critical role in addressing these issues at the community level. Close to three hundred people received blood glucose and/or blood pressure screenings through MOBEC services between December 2025 and May 2026. Of those, 39% were found to have blood glucose A1C above the normal range (people with no previous diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes).

What sets MOBEC apart is its strong network of local partnerships. The program collaborates with organizations that are already trusted within the community. These collaborations help ensure that services reach populations that may be underserved, including seniors, low-income families, and individuals without regular access to healthcare providers.

With its commitment to outreach, education, and prevention, the Mobile Diabetes Education Center is not only addressing immediate health needs but also helping build a healthier future for our community.

MOBEC's work in the community was featured on Fox40 News for Diabetes Alert Day back in March. Visit the link to watch the segment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2iv4_h7hR8

For more information on upcoming MOBEC events or to request a visit, community members and organizations are encouraged to visit: tu.edu/mobec

MOBEC events not only benefit the participants, they also provide an opportunity for the community to know about Touro programs and students. Touro students gain valuable experience talking with participants about their test results and preventative measures.

TUC students are encouraged to participate in our community visits. Sign up to volunteer on MOBEC at www.wejoinin.com/sheets/tpaiw.

Newsletter Credits

Editor: Yasmin Bains, DO

Designer: Maryelli Ray