Seminar Summary: SEADF Punjab Chapter
A seminar organized by the Punjab chapter of the Southeast Asian Diabetes Foundation (SEADF), featuring a case presentation and a panel discussion on beta cell restoration.
Case Presentation
Dr. Shivani presented a case of a 16-year-old male with diabetes, obesity, hyperphagia, intellectual disability, and dysmorphic features (almond-shaped eyes, thin upper lip). The patient was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome via genetic testing after clinical suspicion was raised due to early feeding difficulties and characteristic presentation.
The discussion emphasized the importance of clinical examination and detailed history-taking in identifying syndromic causes of diabetes, particularly in children.
Panel Discussion: Bringing Back the Beta Cells — Replacement or Regeneration
Need for Restoration
While current technologies like continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin delivery systems are advanced, they cannot fully replicate the physiological function of native beta cells.
Transplantation
The panelists discussed pancreas and islet cell transplantation, noting that while options like Lantidra are approved for specific high-risk patients, challenges regarding cost, donor availability, and the necessity of lifelong immunosuppression remain.
Regenerative Therapies
The experts highlighted the potential of stem cell-derived beta cell therapies, referencing trials such as the VX-880 study. They concluded that successful regeneration also requires addressing autoimmune processes to prevent the destruction of restored beta cells.
