Diabetes Dialogues

Episode 1: Cracking the T1D cure code: From breakthrough science to breakthrough access

This episode brings together Dr. Friedrich Mittermayer and Dr. Esther Latres PhD, VP of Research, to discuss the exciting cures for T1D, and the challenges those clinical trials face.

This podcast episode explores the urgent realities and untapped opportunities in adult T1D diagnosis and treatment. From the heartbreak of misdiagnosis to the promise of cell and gene therapies, we spotlight the real-world journeys that shape clinical trial access and outcomes. You’ll hear how delayed diagnoses push young adults beyond critical trial windows, why older patients are often overlooked, and how new tools—from EMR pilots to genetic rescores—are helping us find the right patients, faster.

With insights from Breakthrough T1D, we rally around a shared vision: a world without T1D. Because the future of diabetes care isn’t just about innovation—it’s about inclusion.

• Host: Dr. Friedrich Mittermayer, Sr. Medical Director for Endocrinology, Fortrea
• Participants: Dr. Esther Latres PhD, VP of Research at Breakthrough T1D

Reference:

1. Brixner, D., Beyene, T. J., Venkataraman, M., Teng, C.-C., Chen, H.-Y. P., Tan, H., Wilson, L., Cagle, A., & Malone, D. C. (2025). Diagnostic delay in people with Type 1 diabetes and a prior Type 2 diabetes diagnosis—A U.S. managed care population. Diabetes, 74(Supplement_1), 1080–P. https://doi.org/10.2337/db25-1080-P
2. Breakthrough T1D. (2025, June 24). ADA 2025 Recap: Improving Lives. https://www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-updates/ada-2025-recap-improving-lives/
3. Breakthrough T1D. (2025, January 7). Cell therapy first: Transplanted islets working without immunosuppressives. https://www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-updates/cell-therapy-first-transplanted-islets-working-without-immunosuppressives/
4. Breakthrough T1D & IQVIA. (2025). Predicting misdiagnosed adult-onset Type 1 diabetes using machine learning [Case study]. IQVIA. https://www.iqvia.com/-/media/iqvia/pdfs/us/case-study/2025/iqvia-breakthrough-t1d-case-study-2025.pdf
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8. Rickels, M. R., Ballou, C. M., Foster, N. C., Alejandro, R., Baidal, D. A., Bellin, M. D., ... & Payne, E. H. (2025). Islet transplantation versus standard of care for type 1 diabetes complicated by severe hypoglycemia. Diabetes Care, 48(5), 737–744. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-1915
9. Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2023). Verapamil 40mg/5ml Oral Solution: Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13118.pdf