HEALTH SPOTLIGHT: DO YOU KNOW YOUR LIVER?

By YASMIN BAINS, DO

The Touro University California Diabetes Institute has implemented a MASLD clinic in primary care at multiple community clinics in Solano County, with plans to expand services to neighboring counties.

Metabolic liver disease, also known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) affects approximately 30% of adults and more than 70% of people with diabetes. MASLD is also one of the most common liver conditions in young people and affects up to 10% of children. If untreated, MASLD can progress to Metabolic-Dysfunction Steatohepatitis (MASH), and lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis.

Risk factors for MASLD include prediabetes and diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight or obesity, and other metabolic conditions. Liver screening is recommended in individuals who have one or more metabolic risk factors with ongoing monitoring based on risk-stratification. An effective liver screening modality is a Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE), also known as a Fibroscan® which is a quick and non-invasive scan to assess the fat within the liver as well as liver stiffness. Based on the results, guideline directed therapy is recommended and includes lifestyle intervention, structured weight loss and possibly MASH directed therapy such as Semaglutide and/or Resmetirom.

Barriers to accessing VCTE delays screening and catching metabolic disease liver early, especially in those who are at risk. The availability of point-of-care FibroScan® provides an opportunity to bring screening both to primary care settings and the community.

Starting this fall, the Diabetes Institute will be offering liver screening services to the community through a study to anyone age 12 years and older with one more metabolic risk factor. This study will look at the prevalence of metabolic liver disease in Solano and Napa County to identify disease burden, and participants will receive individualized education based on results. The FibroScan® takes 5-10 minutes to complete by a trained operator. A clinician on-site will review results, and the report is provided to participants to share with their health care professional.

Interested in participating? Keep an eye out for more information soon for upcoming community liver screening events this Fall.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN DIABETES CARE

JOIN THE DIABETES INSTITUTE TEAM

Are you looking for a meaningful way to expand your clinical skills, work alongside an interprofessional healthcare team, and make a direct impact in the community? Touro University California's Diabetes Institute offers unique opportunities to learn, serve, and lead in diabetes prevention and management.

Led by renowned diabetes specialist Dr. Jay Shubrook, the Diabetes Institute Team is dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and empowering people affected by prediabetes and diabetes through patient care, research, professional education, and community outreach. Students from across Touro's programs have the opportunity to participate in initiatives that improve health outcomes while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Volunteer with MOBEC

One of the most popular ways for students to get involved is through the Mobile Diabetes Education Center (MOBEC) that brings free diabetes screening and education throughout Solano and Napa Counties. Since launching in 2017, MOBEC has participated in more than 580 community events, reached over 15,600 people, and screened more than 4,700 individuals for elevated blood glucose and blood pressure.

Student volunteers work alongside faculty and staff to provide one-on-one education, assess diabetes risk factors, perform blood glucose screening, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol testing, as well as connect community members with valuable health resources. Through these experiences, students develop practical clinical skills while learning how to communicate effectively with diverse populations about diabetes prevention and self-management.

For many students, the experience is both professionally and personally transformative.

“Working with the [Diabetes Institute] Team and MOBEC allows me to convert classroom knowledge to real world, community experience! I feel like a trusted and valued member of the team being offered opportunities to coach diabetes education classes and provide free screenings.”
— Sharlene De Los Santos, MS, DO '25

Earn elective credit through DPP lifestyle coach trainig

Students interested in health coaching and chronic disease prevention can participate in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Coach Training. Touro is one of only 13 recognized entities authorized to provide this training nationwide.

The 12-hour training equips participants with motivational interviewing, goal-setting, coaching, and group facilitation skills to help individuals make lasting lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. 

Full-time TUC faculty and staff are eligible for waived registration fees.  To learn more about the training, please visit https://tu.edu/community-outreach/diabetes-dream-team/dpp-coach-training/.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED

The Diabetes Institute offers several pathways for students who want to deepen their knowledge of diabetes care and community health, including:

• Clinical rotations for medical, pharmacy, and physician assistant students

• Work-study positions with the DREAM Team

• Interprofessional diabetes-focused educational experiences

• The Diabetes Certificate Program for students seeking advanced diabetes education beyond their core curriculum.

Whether your interests lie in patient care, public health, education, or research, the DREAM(Diabetes Research Education And Management) team provides a supportive environment where students can grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by diabetes.

Ready to get involved? Explore volunteer opportunities with MOBEC or learn more about upcoming DPP Lifestyle Coach Trainings. Together, we can help build healthier communities and empower people to live well with and beyond diabetes.

TO GOOD HEALTH

Anne Lee, RD, CDCES

Sesame Chicken with Peppers and Snow Peas

Tired of your own cooking? Most busy people go to the same stores, buy the same ingredients and cook them in similar ways to save time.  Looking at recipes may give you ideas to try new flavors.  Some natural ingredients are great at adding new flavors or textures to everyday meals, such as, sesame seeds or green onions like in this recipe.  Other ingredients include: almond flakes, onions, mushrooms, a variety of peppers, pumpkin seeds, garlic, lemon/orange slices.  New combinations of ingredients may surprise you with new flavors!

Ginger and sesame add an Asian flare to this dish.

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

• 2 cups snow peas, trimmed

• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1½ teaspoons packed brown sugar

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 2 cups cooked brown rice

Place sesame seeds in a large nonstick skillet; cook for 2 minutes over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside. Spray same skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add chicken; cook and stir for about 10 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked. Add snow peas and bell peppers; stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are crisp tender. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and ginger; add to skillet. Cook for 5 minutes over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve ¾ cups of chicken mixture over ½ cup of brown rice.

Makes 4 servings - 1¼ cups per serving

This recipe does not adhere to Kosher guidelines

Source: https://calfreshhealthyliving.cdph.ca.gov/en/recipes/Pages/Sesame-Chicken-with-Peppers-and-Snow-Peas.aspx

CONGRATULATIONS TO Dr. JAY SHUBROOK

2026 ADCES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT

We are proud to congratulate Jay Shubrook, DO, on being honored with the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES). This prestigious recognition celebrates a career dedicated to advancing diabetes care, education, prevention, and improved outcomes for people living with diabetes.

Each year, ADCES recognizes exceptional individuals whose leadership, innovation, and commitment have transformed the field of diabetes care and education. The organization's 2026 award recipients exemplify the passion and expertise that continue to strengthen the profession and improve lives. Among this distinguished group, Dr. Shubrook stands out for his extraordinary contributions to diabetes care in primary care settings.

A family physician, diabetologist, and Professor and Director of the Diabetes Institute at Touro University California, Dr. Shubrook has devoted his career to promoting diabetes prevention, early intervention, and patient-centered care. Through his work, he has helped shape best practices and expand access to high-quality diabetes management for countless individuals and families.

Dr. Shubrook is nationally recognized as an educator, researcher, and thought leader. He has authored hundreds of publications that have advanced understanding and treatment of diabetes and related conditions. His influence extends throughout the healthcare community through his service as Deputy Editor of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Care and as the Founding Chair of the American College of Diabetology Executive Board. His leadership has played a vital role in advancing diabetes education and strengthening the specialty across the nation.

The ADCES Lifetime Achievement Award reflects not only Dr. Shubrook's professional accomplishments but also his unwavering commitment to educating healthcare professionals, improving patient outcomes, and inspiring future leaders in diabetes care. His dedication has made a lasting impact on the field of Diabetology and on the lives of the many patients, clinicians, and students he has mentored throughout his distinguished career.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Jay Shubrook on this well-deserved honor and in celebrating his remarkable contributions to the diabetes care and education community. His achievements continue to inspire excellence and innovation in the pursuit of better health for all people affected by diabetes.

COMING THIS NOVEMBER: DIA-BEAT-IT DAY!

A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION FOR WORLD DIABETES DAY

Mark your calendars and get ready to move, learn, and connect at Dia-BEAT-it Day, a special community event in recognition of World Diabetes Day!

Join us on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Joseph Nelson Community Center for a fun and engaging day dedicated to diabetes awareness, prevention, and healthy living. This free event will bring together community members, healthcare professionals, local organizations, and wellness advocates for an experience designed to educate, inspire, and empower.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities and resources, including:

• Educational talks on diabetes prevention and management

• Health screenings and wellness information

• Community resource booths

• Physical activity demonstrations and interactive fitness opportunities

• Family-friendly activities

• Local vendors and health-focused organizations

Whether you are living with diabetes, supporting a loved one, interested in improving your health, or simply looking for a great community event, Dia-BEAT-it Day offers something for everyone.

World Diabetes Day serves as an important reminder of the impact diabetes has on individuals and families across our communities. Dia-BEAT-it Day aims to raise awareness, promote healthy lifestyles, and connect residents with valuable resources that support long-term health and well-being.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Time: 10-3PM 

Location: Joseph Nelson Community Center,  611 Village Dr. Suisun City, CA
Admission is free, and all community members are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you at Dia-BEAT-it Day as we come together to learn, move, and take steps toward a healthier future.

Newsletter Credits

Editor: Sumera Ahmed, MD      

Designer: Maryelli Ray

Sponsored by: Sutter Health