Dear Reader, The April 2026 issue of Endocrinology Research and Practice presents a collection of studies that, taken together, illustrate the remarkable breadth of modern endocrinology. The three papers highlighted in this editorial span the spectrum from clinical measurement and diagnostic refinement to the frontiers of molecular therapy. Each addresses a different question, yet all share a common goal: improving the care and outcomes of patients living with endocrine disorders. First study, by Yiğit et al. from Prof Satman’s group, reports on the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Diabetes Education Questionnaire (DATE-Q). At first glance, a validation study may appear modest in scope. However, effective diabetes management depends not only on the medications prescribed by clinicians but also, and perhaps more critically, on how well patients are educated. The DATE-Q was originally developed to evaluate the extent and quality of diabetes education received by patients. Adapting such instruments requires rigorous methodology. by establishing that the Turkish DATE-Q is both valid and reliable, the authors have provided Turkish-speaking clinicians and diabetes educators with a standardized tool that can identify knowledge gaps, guide educational interventions, and ultimately contribute to better glycemic control and reduced complication rates. Given the high and rising prevalence of diabetes in Turkey, this contribution carries substantial public health significance. In this issue Dr. Köroğlu from Prof Çakır’s group, takes us into one of the most intellectually demanding areas of clinical endocrinology: the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. Their comparative study examines stimulation tests across different eras, specifically contrasting the older corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test with the newer desmopressin-based approaches. For decades, the CRH stimulation test served as a cornerstone in the diagnostic workup of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. However, the declining availability of CRH in many countries, has forced clinicians to seek reliable alternatives. Desmopressin, a synthetic vasopressin analogue, provides valuable comparative data. Also in this issue Aslan et al. offer a translational review of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing as a potential therapeutic approach for type 1 diabetes. Despite remarkable advances in insulin delivery, glucose monitoring, and automated insulin dosing systems, the disease remains incurable. Patients are dependent on lifelong exogenous insulin, and even the best current technology cannot fully replicate the precision of a healthy endocrine pancreas. The idea of correcting the underlying genetic and immunological defects using genome editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 is therefore both attractive and transformative. While clinical application of CRISPR-based therapies for type 1 diabetes is still some distance away, the pace of progress in this field is remarkable. Early-phase clinical trials of gene-edited cell therapies for diabetes are already underway in other contexts, and the translational pipeline continues to mature. You will also find a nice bunch of other original articles and Case reports in this Issue. We hope that readers will find this issue both informative and stimulating. In conclusion, the April 2026 issue of Endocrinology Research and Practice provides a valuable snapshot of the field’s current direction. By focusing on patient education, diagnostic refinement, and emerging therapies, it underscores the multifaceted nature of endocrine care. As we move forward, maintaining a balance between innovation and practicality, and between scientific progress and patient-centered care, will be essential. Enjoy reading the issue. Sincerely, Editor-in- Chief Prof. Dr. Murat Faik Erdoğan
Murat Faik Erdoğan (Wed,) studied this question.