The Southeast Asian Diabetes Foundation (SEADF), Punjab Chapter,
hosted an academic webinar on May 12, 2026, featuring clinical discussions
on syndromic diabetes, Prader-Willi Syndrome and advances in beta cell
replacement and regenerative therapies.
Session 1: Case Presentation
Prader-Willi Syndrome and Diabetes
The first session presented a case of a 16-year-old male previously
diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who developed osmotic symptoms, significant
weight gain, hyperphagia (excessive appetite) and behavioural rigidity.
The case highlighted the importance of considering syndromic conditions
when evaluating obesity and diabetes in young patients.
Clinical Findings
- Obesity:
The patient had a BMI of 36.5 kg/m². - Characteristic physical features:
Examination revealed almond-shaped eyes, acro-micria (small hands)
and hypogonadism. - Early developmental history:
Feeding difficulties during infancy and hypotonia were important
historical findings. - Behavioural features:
Hyperphagia and behavioural rigidity provided additional clues
to the underlying syndrome.
Diagnosis and Management
Genetic testing confirmed the loss of the paternal contribution at the
chromosome 15q11-q13 region, supporting the diagnosis of
Prader-Willi Syndrome.
The reported management plan included lifestyle counselling, metformin,
a GLP-1 receptor agonist for appetite and weight management, and
testosterone replacement for hypogonadism.
Key Clinical Takeaways
- Recognise syndromic indicators:
Developmental delays, dysmorphic features, early feeding difficulties
and hypotonia should prompt further evaluation when appropriate. - Look beyond conventional diabetes categories:
Obesity and diabetes in children and adolescents may coexist with
an underlying genetic syndrome. - Use genetic testing when indicated:
A suitable diagnostic evaluation can establish the underlying syndrome
and inform longer-term care. - Take a multidisciplinary approach:
Management may involve diabetes specialists, endocrinologists,
genetic services, dietitians and behavioural support.
Session 2: Panel Discussion on Beta Cell Therapies
Restoring Endogenous Insulin Secretion
The second session explored the potential of beta cell replacement and
regenerative approaches to restore the body’s own insulin production.
Endogenous insulin secretion offers physiological advantages, including
glucose-responsive insulin release and coordinated secretion patterns.
The panel discussed the scientific and clinical challenges involved in
developing therapies that can provide durable glucose control while
reducing dependence on externally administered insulin.
Pancreas and Islet Cell Transplantation
Whole-pancreas transplantation and pancreatic islet cell transplantation
were discussed as established therapeutic approaches for carefully
selected patients.
- Donor availability:
The limited supply of suitable donor tissue restricts wider access. - Cost and infrastructure:
These procedures require specialised facilities and experienced
clinical teams. - Immunosuppression:
Transplant recipients generally require immunosuppressive treatment
to protect the transplanted tissue. - Lantidra:
The discussion referenced this FDA-approved donor-derived islet cell
therapy for selected adults with type 1 diabetes and recurrent severe
hypoglycemia despite intensive diabetes management.
Stem Cell-Derived Beta Cells
The panel explored the potential of stem cell-derived beta cells as
a future approach to restoring insulin production. Programmes such as
Vertex’s VX-880 were discussed in the context of advances in
cell-based diabetes therapies.
- Cell replacement:
Stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells may help restore endogenous
insulin secretion. - Immune protection:
Strategies to prevent autoimmune destruction of transplanted cells
remain an important challenge. - Long-term durability:
Further research is needed to establish sustained efficacy, safety
and the appropriate role of immunosuppression.
Beta Cell Regeneration and Immune Tolerance
The panel emphasised that generating new beta cells alone may not be
sufficient. In type 1 diabetes, the immune mechanisms responsible for
destroying beta cells may also attack replacement cells unless effective
protective strategies are developed.
Future research therefore needs to combine advances in cell generation
with approaches that improve immune tolerance, protect transplanted
cells and maintain long-term insulin-producing function.
Future Outlook: Advancing Diabetes Research in India
The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening India’s
diabetes research ecosystem to accelerate the development and evaluation
of emerging therapies.
- National diabetes registries:
Build structured datasets to improve understanding of disease patterns,
outcomes and treatment needs. - Biobanks:
Develop infrastructure for the collection and study of biological
samples to support translational research. - Integrated research networks:
Encourage collaboration between clinical institutions, researchers
and specialised laboratories. - Clinical translation:
Support rigorous evaluation of emerging beta cell therapies for
safety, effectiveness, accessibility and long-term outcomes.
The webinar highlighted two important directions in diabetes care:
recognising genetic and syndromic causes of diabetes in young people,
and advancing beta cell replacement and regenerative therapies.
Progress will depend on accurate diagnosis, multidisciplinary care,
effective protection of insulin-producing cells and sustained investment
in clinical and translational research.
Academic Focus
The SEADF Punjab Chapter webinar provided a platform for discussing
complex clinical presentations and emerging therapeutic approaches.
The sessions connected practical clinical evaluation with advances in
genetics, transplantation, stem cell research and the future of
personalised diabetes care.
