In part one of this special interview, Dr. Stanley Schwartz and DIC publisher Steve Freed discuss Dr. Schwartz's proposed new beta-cell centric classification of diabetes.

In part two of this special interview, Dr. Schwartz discusses the "egregious eleven" -- six mechanisms that injure the beta cell, and five results of injury -- and the role they play in hyperglycemia.

In part three of this special interview with DIC publisher Steve Freed, Dr. Stanley Schwartz discusses how the new beta-cell classification supports a patient-centric, "precision medicine" approach to diabetes care, and enables more targeted treatments for hyperglycemia.

In part four of this special interview with DIC publisher Steve Freed, Dr. Stanley Schwartz discusses the need for better markers in improving individualization of diabetes patient care.

In part five of this special interview with DIC publisher Steve Freed, Dr. Stanley Schwartz discusses in-depth the mechanisms by which beta cell damage contributes to hyperglycemia and the targeted treatments for mediating pathways of hyperglycemia.

In part six of this special interview with DIC publisher Steve Freed, Dr. Stanley Schwartz discusses the role of gene defects within the beta cell in monogenic diabetes. In terms of prediabetes, since beta cell damage exists before the development of diabetes, better markers may help in prevention.

In part seven of this special interview with DIC publisher Steve Freed, Dr. Stanley Schwartz discusses the supporters of the new classification of diabetes, such as the role of SGLT-2 inhibitors in improving cardiovascular outcomes, reducing weight, and targeting treatments for the mediating pathways of hyperglycemia.

Would you like to see a different classification for diabetes instead of type 1, type 2, type 1½, LADA, etc.? Follow the link to respond.

Mrs. O’Doole is a 34-year-old of Irish descent. She works as a florist and is married with three children. She arrives at your clinic for her annual wellness exam. Her blood pressure is 130/84 mmHg, pulse 65, BMI 24 kg/m2 and her physical exam is notable for acne and mild hirsutism. Her only current medication is oral birth control pills. She recalls starting OCP, 15 years prior, due to irregular menses. Based upon her medical history and physical, you believe it would be prudent to screen Mrs. O’Doole for type 2 diabetes. You discuss your recommendations with her and she agrees be tested. The lab returns a fasting plasma glucose (FBG) of 112 mg/dL. You share these results with your patient and inform her that, while only mildly elevated, she has impaired fasting glucose. What is the best choice for initial management of Mrs. O’Doole’s prediabetes? Follow the link to respond.

Are you ready for the opening of a large can of worms, when it comes to classifying diabetes? We have all heard type one, type one and one half, type two, type 3, adult onset, MODY, LADA and many other ways of naming diabetes, and now top researchers and endocrinologists …