Following the welcome remarks by Prof. Tilman Grune, Scientific Director at DIfE, and DZD Speaker Prof. Tim Julius Schulz, Prof. Martin Hrabě de Angelis, Speaker of the DZD Executive Board and DZD Managing Director Dr. Astrid Glaser gave an overview about the latest developments in the DZD. For example, the diabetes information portal diabinfo.de - operated in collaboration with Helmholtz Munich and the German Diabetes Center -recorded more than 4.2 million page views in 2025. In addition, DZD researchers received prestigious awards this year, including the Claude Bernard Prize and the Camillo Golgi Prize.
Focus on lifestyle
During four thematic sessions, DZD researchers presented the latest findings from experimental and human studies on the importance of diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors for metabolic and brain health. They also highlighted the crucial role of these factors in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. The sessions illustrated the diversity of approaches in modern diabetes research and the opportunities that arise when new therapeutic developments are combined with a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases.
A particular highlight was the panel discussion on the significance of the DZD in the era of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The discussion focused on the future role diabetes research in light of new, highly effective drug treatments. Accompanying presentations explored innovative approaches in incretin receptor pharmacology as well as the influence of dietary habits on weight regain following GLP-1 treatment.
The poster presentations provided an opportunity for scientific exchange. (photo: Carolin Schrandt/DIfE)
A platform for DZD early-career researchers
Early-career researchers were also well represented at the workshop: Eight doctoral candidates and postdocs presented selected poster contributions in short pitches, offering an initial glimpse into their research projects. The subsequent poster sessions, featuring a total of 29 posters, gave early-career researchers the opportunity to discuss their work with established scientists and exchange ideas.
In addition to the scientific findings, the focus was above all on personal, collegial, and constructive exchange. The workshop encouraged critical discussion in both plenary sessions and small groups, bringing together different research disciplines and perspectives.
The 32nd DZD Workshop underscored the strength of the DZD network in bringing together basic, clinical, and prevention research to advance diabetes research.
