Diabetes in pregnancy is more common than many realise, and the consequences can last a lifetime. In the first episode of 2026 of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Anna McLean, General Endocrinologist and Clinical Lead for Diabetes in Pregnancy at Cairns Hospital, about the rising prevalence and what it means for clinicians on the ground.

With 23% of births in Cairns affected by diabetes, Dr McLean unpacks the spectrum from gestational diabetes to pre-existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She outlines practical management strategies — from nutrition therapy and exercise as first-line treatment to appropriate use of metformin and insulin — and explains why early referral, preconception planning, and close monitoring are critical to preventing congenital anomalies, obstetric complications, and long-term metabolic risk for both mother and baby.

Whether you provide antenatal care, manage young women with diabetes, or want to strengthen your approach to preconception counselling, this episode delivers clear, evidence-based guidance to start the year strong.

Resources:

• ADIPS: GDM Diagnosis and Screening Guidelines

• Queensland Health Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Clinical Guidelines

Type 2 diabetes treatment is evolving fast—and the focus has shifted from managing blood sugar to preventing long-term complications early. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Luke Conway about the major paradigm shifts transforming diabetes care, from early diagnosis and aggressive therapy to the latest in medications and monitoring technologies.

Dr Conway explains how modern management now prioritises kidney and heart health, with SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists leading the way. He also explores the expanding role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), the potential of oral GLP-1s, and what’s on the horizon in diabetes medicine.

Whether you regularly manage patients with diabetes or just want to stay across the “tsunami” of new treatments on the way, this episode offers practical, up-to-date insights to support better outcomes in every practice.

Resources:

• Rosenstock, J, et al. Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, in Early Type 2 Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine 393 (2025) 1065-1076.

• FreeStyle Libre CGM

• Dexcom CGM

• Conway, L. ABC Checklist for Screening in T2D. Diabetes Management Journal May 2023 30-31.

• National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)

• NDSS: Australian Type 2 Diabetes Glycaemic Management Algorithm

What if simple lifestyle changes could help reverse chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease? In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Sam Manger, GP and Academic Lead for Lifestyle Medicine at James Cook University, about the powerful role of lifestyle medicine in transforming patient outcomes.

From food and movement to mind-body health and social connection, Dr Manger explains how addressing the root causes of disease can improve longevity and quality of life. He also shares his personal journey with chronic pain, the evidence behind interventions like yoga and strength training, and the modifiable risk factors that can reduce dementia risk.

Whether you’re passionate about preventive care or curious how lifestyle medicine fits into daily practice, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights you can apply with your next patient.

Resources:

• JCU postgraduate courses: Grad Cert, Grad Diploma, and Master in Lifestyle Medicine including social prescribing, health coaching and implementation science

• YouTube: Using lifestyle as medicine: A new era in chronic disease remission
• Three-week online microcredential in Lifestyle Medicine and Mental Health: Life and Mind 

• BrainHQ

• The GP Show