EASD 2025: Key updates for nursing practice

The 61st Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) took place in Vienna and online from 15–19 September 2025, drawing nearly 14,000 participants. For nurses, the meeting offered insights that may shape everyday practice. This blog highlights the most relevant themes and what they mean for clinical care.

Precision and classification

A session on “Correctly classifying diabetes in adults” challenged the reliance on HbA1c cut-offs and emphasised tailoring diagnosis to metabolic patterns or phenotypes. Nurses may need to move beyond strict “type 1 vs type 2” labels when assessing patients. Education and care plans will need to reflect the individual’s presentation rather than generic categories.

Artificial intelligence and technology

Sessions explored AI in pumps, decision support, and chatbots, alongside the question “How close are we to fully closed loop systems?” These talks highlighted both the promise of automation and the risks of over-reliance. Nurses will be key in interpreting digital outputs for patients and troubleshooting devices. Digital literacy is becoming a core skill, alongside vigilance against alert fatigue.

Pregnancy and women’s health

A new ES/ESE guideline on pregnancy in women with pre-existing diabetes was launched. It gave updated recommendations on pre-conception counselling, glucose targets, medication safety, and postpartum follow-up. Nurses remain central in guiding women before and during pregnancy. This means reviewing medications, supporting insulin adjustment, and ensuring structured monitoring and education throughout antenatal and postnatal care.

Type 1 diabetes consensus update

The EASD/ADA joint consensus draft update for type 1 diabetes reaffirmed CGM and hybrid closed-loop systems as standard, emphasised psychosocial support, and updated advice on adjunct therapies. Nurses must be confident in device training, interpreting CGM reports, and assessing emotional wellbeing. Supporting transition between paediatric and adult services will require more structured nurse-led input.

Cardiovascular outcomes: tirzepatide

A headline trial reported that tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, significantly reduced major cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes. Nurses will need to explain tirzepatide’s cardiovascular benefits, not only its glucose effects. Supporting adherence, managing gastrointestinal side effects, and coordinating with cardiology colleagues will be crucial.

In-hospital and comorbidity care

Sessions reviewed diabetes management in hospital, new treatments for diabetic kidney disease, and the relationship between liver disease and diabetes. Nurses in wards will see more patients using CGM or automated systems during admissions. Understanding how kidney or liver disease alters medication safety is vital, as nurses often detect early signs of deterioration.

Mental health, distress and equity

A new guideline on diabetes distress stressed structured screening. Another session addressed the specific experiences of people of Black heritage with diabetes. Nurses are often first to hear about burnout or frustration, so routine psychosocial checks should be part of care. Cultural competence and advocacy will help reduce inequities and ensure advances reach diverse groups.

Obesity and new therapies

The ATTAIN-1 trial of orforglipron for obesity and other late-breaking abstracts showed rapid progress in pharmacology. Nurses will need to integrate these therapies into holistic weight management plans, reframing conversations around long-term cardiometabolic benefit. Support with side effects and expectation setting will be essential.

Ageing and frailty

A symposium on ageing, frailty and cognitive decline reminded delegates that older adults face unique risks often overlooked in clinical trials. Nursing assessments should balance glycaemic targets with safety and quality of life. Monitoring for frailty, falls risk, and nutrition should be as routine as HbA1c checks.

Final thoughts

EASD 2025 highlighted how quickly diabetes care is advancing from AI and automated systems to incretin therapies with cardiovascular benefits. For nurses, the challenge is to translate these developments into safe, equitable, and patient-centred care. Staying informed, adapting skills, and advocating for patients will be key to making the most of these new opportunities.