New approaches to fighting diabetes: Hope for all who fight instead of giving up.
New therapies offer hope for type 2 diabetes and obesity: hormone blockers, plant substances and new molecules improve blood sugar and weight.
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people – often in combination with severe obesity. Both diseases exacerbate each other, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. Current medications are not always sufficient. New studies presented at the 2025 European Diabetes Congress show that progress is being made.
Dr. Christoph Nitsche is a specialist in internal medicine and emergency medicine. He completed his specialist training at Marienhospital Euskirchen, focusing on cardiology and emergency medicine. He is part of our EXPERTS Circle . The content presented here reflects his personal opinion based on his individual expertise.
Many patients with poorly controlled diabetes have elevated cortisol levels (the "stress hormone"). In one study, a specific blocker (mifepristone) significantly lowered long-term blood sugar levels—more effectively than standard therapy. Participants also experienced weight loss.
What does this mean? If cortisol plays a role, this treatment could be an alternative in the future.
A new candidate combines a plant compound (berberine) with a bile acid. In a large study, blood sugar levels improved noticeably, and blood lipids and inflammatory markers also decreased. One-third of the patients achieved values within the target range.
Particularly exciting: The substance was well tolerated and could soon become a supplement to standard therapy.
A more experimental approach involves the molecule "Myo4". In animal models, it led to significant fat loss – even without calorie reduction. The effect was further enhanced when combined with known medications such as semaglutide.
The remarkable thing was that muscle mass and bone density were preserved, while fatty liver decreased.
Conclusion: A lot of activity in research.
Whether hormone blockers, herbal remedies, or entirely new molecules: studies show that significant progress is possible in the treatment of diabetes and obesity . For many patients, this means hope for better disease control – and a better quality of life.
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