October and November brought several global health awareness days that spotlight critical issues affecting millions worldwide. From diabetes and antimicrobial resistance to breast cancer and mental health, these observances remind us of the importance of research, prevention, and equitable care. In this round-up, we share content highlights from the Research Communities, showcasing expert insights, research breakthroughs, and practical strategies that aim to improve health outcomes globally. 

World Diabetes Day 

World Diabetes Day honours Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin, and raises awareness of diabetes prevention and care. This year’s theme is Diabetes and well-being and emphasizes holistic approaches, including workplace health and oral health integration. These featured blogs explore the underestimated link between oral health and glycaemic control, the barriers to screening uptake in Indonesia, and the transformative potential of oral GLP-1 medications for obesity and diabetes management.  

Together, these insights highlight the need for innovative strategies and equitable access to care worldwide. 

Q&A with Dr. Dániel Végh, Editorial Board Member for BMC Oral Health 

Routine dental check-ups might play a big role in diabetes care. In this Q&A from @Alex Goodridge, @Daniel Vegh draws on research and his experience with type 1 diabetes and explains how oral health impacts glycaemic control and why integrating dentistry into diabetes policy could transform outcomes.  

Read the whole blog from our Life in Research channel to learn about salivary biomarkers, inflammation links, and why there is a need for a holistic approach to diabetes management.

Studying Diabetes Screening Uptake in Aceh, Indonesia 

Despite free screening programs in Indonesia, uptake remains low. A study of 2,000 adults by @Maja E. Marcus, @Anna Reuter , @Lisa Rogge @Farah Diba & @Sebastian Vollmer published in BMC Global and Public Health reveals barriers such as misconceptions, knowledge gaps, and socioeconomic inequalities. In in this Behind the Paper post, we learn how screening is least used among rural, lower-income groups, underscoring the need for targeted messaging and differentiated strategies for raising awareness about diabetes and hypertension.  

Read the whole blog which explores why expanding access isn’t enough, and why services must be trusted and visible to communities. 

The New Era of Weight-Loss Medicine 

New oral GLP-1 medications could revolutionize obesity and diabetes care. @Gaetano Santulliexplains their Cardiovascular Diabetology – Endocrinology Reports publication in this Behind the Paper post, showing how much these pills help achieve weight loss, a milestone previously linked to injections. While questions remain about cost and long-term safety, Gaetano Santulli explains how oral treatments like orforglipron offer a more accessible path to effective obesity management, signalling a major shift in global health strategies. 

Read the full blog to learn how GLP-1s are a powerful step toward a healthier future for diabetes and obesity care. 

World AMR Awareness Week 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat that compromises the effectiveness of life-saving medicines. Recent blogs on the Research Communities unpack why AMR is accelerating across bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and how human, animal, and environmental factors contribute to this crisis.  

Highlights include a global atlas mapping resistance in over 208,000 Salmonella genomes, a review of livestock antimicrobial use guidelines, and a call to action for patient and public engagement.  

These resources underscore the urgency of coordinated efforts to protect our present and secure our future. 

Deciphering the Global Atlas of Antimicrobial-Resistant Salmonella using Big Data  

A Nature Communications study has mapped 208,000 Salmonella genomes, creating the most comprehensive global AMR atlas to date. @Yanan Wang , @Xu Xuebin & @Shulei Jia explain their findings in their Behind the Paper post and explain how rising resistance across continents and food sources, with fluoroquinolone resistance surging fastest. 

Read the full blog to learn how linking AMR patterns to socioeconomic and environmental factors uncovered drivers of this growing threat and identified global hotspots. 

Guidelines for Responsible Antimicrobial use in Food-Producing Animals 

In this Behind the Paper blog, based on a publication in One Health Outlook, @Jacinta O. Pinho and the team explore new research that examines how countries are responding to AMR. By analysing antimicrobial usage guidelines for food-producing animals across 49 OECD nations, it reveals global progress, persistent gaps, and the urgent need for stronger, more harmonised action.  

Read on to uncover what their systematic review found and why it matters for safeguarding health under the One Health approach. 

World Mental Health Day 

October also celebrated World Mental Health Day, which called for global action to improve access, reduce stigma, and promote equity in mental health services. @Robin Packer’s blog explores stigma reduction, policy innovation, and community-driven solutions to close gaps in care. By sharing research and expert perspectives, the aim is to inspire global conversations that prioritize mental health as a universal right. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October promotes screening, education, and research for a disease affecting millions globally. @Priya Sharma’s blog highlights challenges in diagnosis, such as differentiation from conditions mimicking cancer, and innovations like decision aids that empower patients. Read the blog to explore the knowledge gaps in self-examination and stigma in medical education, underscoring the need for awareness and continued progress in care. 

The conversations in the Research Communities continue to push knowledge forward. We hope these insights spark further curiosity and encourage you to explore the blogs and research even further. 

Don’t forget to like and start conversations in the comment section of the posts you enjoy. Is there more you would like to learn from the author? Let them know in the comments!  

Further reading:  

Highlights from the Humanities and Social Sciences Communities    

Highlights from the Mathematics, Physical & Applied Sciences Communities

Quarterly highlights from the Medicine and Life Sciences Communities