Author name: Gary Bartholomew

Interview with Thrive Precision Health Research, Principal Investigator Dr. Jonathan Lakey discussing the areas of research for the origination and its future in Regenerative Medicine to assist in slowing the progression of Type 2 Diabetes.   Q: Can you tell us about your background and career in diabetes research? Dr. Jonathan Lakey: I am Dr. Jonathan Lakey, Professor Emeritus from the University of California, Irvine, in the Department of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering. Before that, I was the director of the Clinical Islet Transplant Program here at UC Irvine. Early in my career, I was involved in the development and implementation of the Edmonton Protocol while I was a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. The Edmonton Protocol was the first treatment using cells for people with type 1 diabetes. The effect was immediate. We were able to get patients who had been on insulin therapy for over 50 years off insulin therapy, at least for periods of time. During follow-ups, I had the opportunity to meet patients, their family members, and hear their stories about the struggles of managing diabetes—waking up in the middle of the night to check blood sugar levels or ensuring their spouse was still alive. These experiences deeply motivated me to develop therapies for diabetes. Q: Why is diabetes such a critical health issue today? Dr. Jonathan Lakey: Diabetes has become one of the biggest global health emergencies. The incidence is rising, and the complications and costs continue to increase. It’s vital to understand what diabetes is, the effects it has, and how it can be treated. Diabetes is a progressive disease and the leading cause of blindness and amputation worldwide. Despite this, there’s often skepticism or ignorance about its seriousness. Many people are undiagnosed until the disease has already progressed. In the United States alone, there are nearly 40 million people living with diabetes and another 40 million who remain undiagnosed. The prevalence is increasing because of lifestyle factors and attitudes toward the disease. Many individuals ignore the early symptoms, leading to worsening complications over time. Q: What is FIT therapy, and how does it address type 2 diabetes? Dr. Jonathan Lakey: FIT therapy is a two- to three-hour treatment where insulin is delivered to the body in pulses every four to six minutes. This pulse delivery mimics the body’s natural insulin secretion and helps restore normal insulin secretion capabilities over time. Essentially, FIT therapy teaches the body to heal itself. It re-sensitizes the islet cells in the pancreas to secrete insulin properly. The therapy includes educating patients about their condition, treating the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, and creating a system for ongoing care. The benefits of FIT therapy are significant. Patients experience improved blood sugar control, reduced hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and lower hemoglobin A1C levels—a key marker of blood sugar control. Over time, patients also report improvements in neuropathy, such as regained sensation in their feet, as well as better kidney function. Q: How quickly can patients see results from FIT therapy? Dr. Jonathan Lakey: Patients often notice improvements after just the first week of therapy. They report feeling healthier, having more energy, and experiencing better overall well-being. Our clinical trial for FIT therapy takes 6 to 12 months to complete, which is much shorter than many other diabetes trials that take years to show benefits. During this time, we collect prospective data as part of an IRB-approved clinical trial to better understand the mechanisms behind the therapy’s effects. Q: What role do stem cell therapies play in your vision for Thrive Precision Health Research? Dr. Jonathan Lakey: My vision for Thrive Precision Health Research includes incorporating cutting-edge stem cell therapies. I’ve been working in the field of stem cell technologies for many years, developing therapies to treat diabetes, neuropathy, and diabetic wounds. As part of the Thrive project, I hope to integrate these stem cell-derived products and ancillary technologies to address diabetes and its complications. This will allow us to create a comprehensive approach to managing and treating the disease. Q: How do you view your contributions to diabetes research and your legacy? Dr. Jonathan Lakey: I don’t spend much time thinking about my personal legacy. However, I am proud of the work we did in Canada with the Edmonton Protocol—it was groundbreaking. With FIT therapy, I see an opportunity to build on that legacy by developing new technologies and therapies that can treat millions of diabetics worldwide. Ultimately, my goal is to understand the mechanisms behind these therapies and use them to make a meaningful impact on diabetes care.

  Diabetes is not just a health concern; it’s asignificant economic burden that affects millions of people worldwide. In theUnited States alone, recent data reveals staggering figures that shed light onthe financial costs and societal impact of this chronic condition. Understanding the Numbers Direct Medical Costs: Between 2017 and 2022, thedirect medical costs attributed to diabetes witnessed a 7% increase. Thisupward trend highlights the growing financial strain on healthcare systems andindividuals alike. Total Annual Cost: In 2022, the total annual cost ofdiabetes soared to a monumental $412.9 billion. This figure encompasses bothdirect medical costs ($306.6 billion) and indirect costs ($106.3 billion),painting a comprehensive picture of the economic challenges posed by diabetes. Healthcare Spending: Shockingly, people withdiagnosed diabetes now account for one in every four healthcare dollars spentin the U.S. This statistic underscores the significant share of resourcesdedicated to managing diabetes-related expenses. The Rising Tide of Costs The past decade has seen a substantial escalation indiabetes-related expenditures, with several key factors contributing to thisfinancial surge: Inflation-adjusted Insulin Costs: The cost ofinsulin, a life-sustaining medication for many diabetes patients, has surged by24% from 2017 to 2022. This spike in insulin costs has led to a tripling ofspending on this crucial medication, posing challenges for affordability andaccess. Gender Disparities: Women with diabetes facehigher average annual healthcare expenditures compared to men. This disparitysheds light on the nuanced financial implications that gender can have ondisease management and healthcare costs. Ethnic Disparities: Black Americans with diabetes bear adisproportionate burden of direct healthcare expenditures, highlightingsystemic inequalities in healthcare access and affordability. Beyond Financial Costs: Lost Productivity and Societal Impact The economic impact of diabetes extends beyond directmedical expenses, encompassing lost productivity at work, unemployment due tochronic disability, and premature mortality. Productivity Loss: A staggering $106.3 billion (26%) of thetotal estimated national cost of diabetes is attributed to lost productivity atwork. This includes presenteeism (reduced work productivity) and absenteeism(missed workdays), illustrating the broader societal ramifications of thischronic condition.  Unemployment and Mortality: Chronic disabilityand premature mortality due to diabetes contribute significantly to theeconomic burden, highlighting the urgent need for holistic approaches todisease management and prevention.  

  Diabetes is not just a disease; it’s a global health crisisthat demands urgent attention and action. As we delve into the data andinsights provided by The Lancet, we uncover a landscape marked by staggeringnumbers and stark inequities. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key findingsand implications of the rising tide of diabetes, from its roots in socialdeterminants to the imperative of addressing structural racism for meaningfulchange. Understanding the Numbers The numbers are staggering: more than 1.31billion people could be living with diabetes by 2050. This surge is primarily fueledby type 2 diabetes, which accounted for 90% of all diabetes cases in 2021.What’s driving this alarming trend? Rising obesity rates play a significantrole, alongside other social risk factors like high BMI, unhealthy diets, andsedentary lifestyles. Global Inequities in Diabetes Care The insights shed light on another critical aspect of thediabetes crisis: global inequities in diabetes care. Despite the loomingburden, with 75% of adults with diabetes expected to be in low- tomiddle-income countries by 2045, only a meager 10% receive guideline-basedcare. This glaring gap in access to quality healthcare underscores the urgentneed for systemic changes and equitable healthcare policies. Unpacking Structural Racism and Geographical Disparities One of the most troubling revelations from The analysis isthe role of structural racism and geographical disparities in exacerbatingdiabetes outcomes. Marginalized populations bear the brunt of these inequities,facing worse health outcomes and limited access to essential care. Addressingthese root causes is paramount in our quest for meaningful solutions. Beyond Biomedical Interventions While biomedical interventions and new drugs offer hope,they are not panaceas for the diabetes crisis. The focus must extend beyondpills and devices to tackle the underlying social drivers of disease.Structural racism, in particular, must be squarely addressed as a corecomponent of preventive strategies and health promotion efforts.

Diabetes, a silent but deadly epidemic, continues to claimnearly 7 million lives every year globally. This staggering statistic unveilsthe urgent need for heightened awareness, innovative solutions, and concertedefforts to combat this pervasive health crisis. Understanding the Scope of the Issue The numbers speak volumes – with up to half of people livingwith diabetes unaware of their condition, the necessity for universal access toinsulin becomes paramount. By 2045, projections indicate that over 780 millionindividuals worldwide will grapple with diabetes, underscoring the magnitude ofthis health challenge. Embracing Lifestyle Changes While the statistics may seem daunting, there is hope.Simple yet impactful lifestyle modifications such as adopting a healthier diet,regular exercise, and quitting smoking can significantly aid in managing oreven reversing diabetes. These changes not only improve physical well-being butalso contribute to a better quality of life for individuals with diabetes. Financial Implications and Global Initiatives The financial burden associated with diabetes issubstantial, with global health expenditure reaching a staggering $966 billionin 2021 and anticipated to surpass $1 trillion by 2045. This underscores theeconomic strain posed by the disease on healthcare systems worldwide. To address these challenges, the World Health Organization(WHO) launched the Global Diabetes Compact, a comprehensive initiative aimed atraising awareness and ensuring equitable access to diabetes treatment. Thisinitiative emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis through simple bloodglucose tests, which can significantly reduce long-term organ damage associatedwith diabetes.