From a small Sicilian town to the forefront of diabetes research, Dr. Pugliese’s story is one of relentless curiosity and hope. He shares how early family experiences and clinical frustrations inspired his lifelong mission to improve outcomes type 1 diabetes.

The conversation delves into the role of viruses and the microbiome in triggering type 1 diabetes. Dr. Pugliese describes his leadership in the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD), which has enabled collaborative studies showing evidence of chronic viral infections in the pancreas and their potential contribution to disease onset.

This episode also dissects how generous giving becomes the driving force behind groundbreaking research and scientific breakthroughs. Dr. Pugliese shares details of a bold, new nationwide clinical trial led by City of Hope, inspired by philanthropic support from the Wanek Family Project. The innovative trial will assess a combination of approved therapies to investigate ways to preserve insulin secretion and control the autoimmune process in newly diagnosed patients, aiming to accelerate progress toward a cure.

 Tune in to discover how Dr. Pugliese’s translational diabetes research, collaborative spirit, and commitment to mentorship are driving breakthroughs in diabetes care.