In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Omolara G. Adeniran, an endocrinologist practicing in Florida, shares her frontline experience addressing the complex realities of diabetes management, technology hesitancy, and healthcare disparities. Drawing on insights from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) conference, Dr. Adeniran discusses lipodystrophy, CGM technology, and how to navigate social determinants of health in real-world patient care.

Episode Highlights:

Recognizing Lipodystrophy and Treatment Overlap
Dr. Adeniran highlights a key learning from the conference—a lecture on differentiating lipodystrophy from Cushing syndrome, a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping features. She shares how improved understanding of this rare condition can lead to significant improvement in comorbidities like severe insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia once correctly identified and treated.

Breaking Down Technology Barriers with CGMs
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) remains underutilized due to patient fears and insurance limitations. Dr. Adeniran explains her approach: providing demo models, offering trial periods, and giving reassurance about data privacy to help patients gain comfort with technology and improve their diabetes self-management.

Navigating Insurance, Food Access, and Cultural Habits
Insurance coverage, food deserts, and cultural food practices remain major obstacles. Dr. Adeniran shares strategies for working with patients in lower-resource settings, including promoting portion control, pragmatic dietary substitutions, and encouraging family involvement in nutrition and care.

Engaging Patients in Shared Decision-Making
From discussing A1C levels to blood pressure trends, Dr. Adeniran emphasizes making data relatable. She walks patients through lab comparisons over time and links clinical numbers to how they feel—helping them take ownership of their health. Emotional support and patient storytelling help reinforce behavior change.

The Power of Listening and Small Steps
According to Dr. Adeniran, patient progress starts with empathetic listening. She urges clinicians to hear the small clues that lead to big breakthroughs. Whether managing obesity, thyroid conditions, or diabetes, she believes in celebrating small wins and meeting patients where they are—both medically and personally.

Key Takeaway:

Effective endocrine care hinges on trust, technology, and tailored solutions. From CGM adoption to dietary adjustments, empowering patients with education and empathy is key to closing gaps and improving outcomes.

 Resources & Links:

Website: MD Newsline
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Connect with Dr. Omolara Adeniran: Here