Leicester researchers debuted major new insights on multiple long-term conditions at global diabetes event

A trio of pioneering review papers published in The Lancet that offer fresh perspectives on cardiometabolic multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs or multimorbidity) has been unveiled on the international stage.  

The research team, based at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands and the University of Leicester, presented the papers for the first time today during a prestigious Lancet Journal Symposium at the 2026 Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association® in New Orleans. 

The session brought together the latest thinking on the growing challenge of cardiometabolic MLTCs. 

Led by Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Co-Director of the NIHR ARC East Midlands and Professor of Primary Care, Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester, the symposium explored the epidemiology, underlying mechanisms, care models and management of cardiometabolic MLTCs.

Collectively, the studies highlight the need for a more integrated approach to cardiometabolic MLTC. One study identifies multilevel interventions that could improve care delivery and better address patients' holistic needs. 

Another argues that healthcare must move beyond single-disease paradigms towards integrated, person-centred prevention and early risk factor management that also considers behavioural, psychological, cognitive and social determinants of health. Meanwhile, the third suggests that advances in multiomics, systems biology and life-course approaches will enable cardiometabolic MLTC to be understood and managed as a truly interconnected system.

Cardiometabolic MLTCs describe the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in a single individual, most commonly type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. 

Driven in large part by rising obesity rates and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, these conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent as populations age. 

Their impact is significant, contributing to higher mortality, reduced quality of life, cognitive decline and mounting pressure on healthcare systems. 

Professor Khunti, who is also the Populations Theme Co-Lead at the British Heart Foundation Leicester Centre of Research Excellence, said: “Cardiometabolic MLTCs represent a complex and growing challenge, shaped by interconnected biological and lifestyle factors.

“It was a privilege to present this important session at the American Diabetes Association’s 2026 Scientific Sessionswhere our work aims to deepen understanding of these conditions and highlight opportunities to improve care through more integrated and evidence-based approaches that can be translated into routine clinical practice.”

The three articles, titled Epidemiology of Cardiometabolic Multiple Long-Term Conditions, Biological and Mechanistic Pathways of Cardiometabolic Multiple Long-Term Conditions and Interventions for the Prevention and Management of Cardiometabolic Multiple Long-Term Conditions, have been published simultaneously as part of The Lancet Journal Symposium: Cardiometabolic Multiple Long-Term Conditions (Multimorbidity)-Epidemiology, Mechanisms, Models, and Management at the ADA’s 2026 Scientific Sessions on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 8 a.m. CDT.

This flagship session is reserved for high-impact research and is typically aligned with publication in The Lancet and its sister journals – one of the most prestigious, internationally-recognised journals.

Widely regarded as the leading global forum for diabetes research, the ADA’s 2026 Scientific Sessions brings together thousands of researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals to exchange the latest advances in science, treatment and care. 

Held annually, it features more than 2,000 presentations on a range of topics, including new drug therapies, technology and updates to the Standards of Care in Diabetes. 

The papers are now available here. For more information about the ADA’s 2026 Scientific Sessions, click here. 

NIHR ARC East Midlands funds vital work to tackle the region’s health and care priorities by speeding up the adoption of research onto the frontline of health and social care. The organisation puts in place evidence-based innovations which seek to drive up standards of care and save time and money.

NIHR ARC East Midlands is hosted by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust with the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham, working in collaboration with Health Innovation East Midlands.