Dr. Jacqueline Stephens from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center joins the show to discuss the critical link between diabetes and adipocyte (fat cell) biology. As an expert in adipocyte research, Dr. Stephens explained how disruptions in fat cell function can contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes. Her lab focuses on STAT proteins, particularly STAT5, which regulate gene expression in fat cells. These genes influence insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and inflammation—key factors in diabetes progression.