In diabetes research, two powerful forces are reshaping the landscape of diabetes management and care: basic and translational science. These twin pillars of scientific inquiry are not just academic pursuits but the engines driving real-world improvements in the lives of the millions of people with diabetes.
Basic science, or lab-based research, unravels the intricate biological mechanisms behind diabetes. From decoding genetic predispositions to understanding insulin resistance at a cellular level, this foundational research lays the groundwork for breakthrough findings. Recent findings in basic science have led to new classifications or subtypes of diabetes for more personalised care and management.
Translational science, on the other hand, acts as a bridge, transforming laboratory findings into tangible patient benefits. New treatments, diagnostic tools, and preventive strategies are being developed and refined in this space to ensure that scientific findings reach those who need them most.
Both basic and translational science offer the possibility of more targeted therapies, improved management techniques and potentially a future in which all diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
Both basic and translational science can offer more targeted therapies, improved management techniques and potentially a future where diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
Distinguishing the type of diabetes at onset can be challenging because the clinical presentations of the different types can sometimes overlap. For example, some people with type 2 diabetes may initially have symptoms similar to type 1 diabetes, such as rapid weight loss and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed or inappropriate treatment.
Previously, healthcare providers used the traditional age-based classification of diabetes. However, this paradigm is no longer accurate because the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in younger age groups. This shift is attributed mainly to the global rise in obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles, which are significant risk factors for the condition. As a result, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has become more common in adolescents and even children.
At the cellular level, basic science research has shed light on the critical role of pancreatic beta cells in developing diabetes. Researchers have delved into the mechanisms governing beta cell function, including insulin secretion, glucose sensing, and cell regeneration. By understanding these cellular dynamics, scientists can explore novel approaches to preserve or restore beta cell health, improving glycaemic control and disease management.
Better characterisation of the different paths to β-cell demise or dysfunction is crucial because it can help identify specific targets for intervention. Understanding the distinct mechanisms underlying beta cell loss in type 1 and type 2 diabetes enables the development of more personalised and effective treatment approaches. In turn, this could lead to the development of therapies that target specific pathophysiological processes – the abnormal changes in the body linked to a specific pathology – that cause beta cell dysfunction in both types of diabetes.
Likewise, advancements in genetics and genomics have contributed to our understanding of diabetes, with basic science outcomes that identify genetic variants and risk factors associated with different subtypes. This knowledge has led to the emergence of precision medicine in diabetes care, allowing for tailored treatment approaches that address a person’s unique genetic profile.
As research progresses, healthcare professionals may soon be able to tailor diabetes care more effectively to the needs of their individual patients.
Researchers and healthcare professionals have known for a while that people with diabetes are not all the same. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of the condition, accounting for over 90% of all diabetes. However, recent studies reveal that type 2 diabetes is more complex than previously thought, with researchers identifying at least four distinct subtypes based on age, body mass index and insulin function.
This research has revealed a spectrum with two extreme phenotypes: the severe insulin-resistant and severe insulin-deficient subtypes, and identified several diabetes-related complications linked to these subtypes. The insulin-deficient subtype, characterised by early insulin dependency and higher glucose levels, faces an increased risk of neuropathy. Conversely, the insulin-resistant subtype, often associated with obesity, is more prone to cardiovascular complications and developing MASLD, fatty liver disease.
This new understanding of diabetes subtypes has the potential to transform treatment strategies. As research progresses, healthcare professionals may soon be able to tailor diabetes care more effectively to the needs of their individual patients.
While basic science lays the foundation for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of diabetes, translational science applies these discoveries to real-world scenarios. By joining the laboratory and clinical practice gap, this practical application underscores the development of preventive diabetes strategies, treatments and lifestyle interventions.
Translating basic science discoveries into clinical practice has resulted in novel treatments, devices and care models that significantly improve diabetes management and outcomes. For example, outcomes from observational studies on glucose response have led to the development of new drug classes, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, which have revolutionised diabetes treatment by targeting specific pathways and providing new options for people with diabetes.
Translational research has also contributed to developing advanced medical devices for diabetes management. In recent years, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have emerged as a valuable support for people with diabetes, providing real-time data on glucose levels and trends. These devices have transformed how people with diabetes and healthcare providers monitor and manage blood glucose, improving glycaemic control and reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Addressing the challenges and barriers in translational research requires collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders, including industry partners, regulatory authorities, and patient advocacy groups.
While translating basic science findings into clinical applications has yielded significant advancements in diabetes care, the process has its challenges and barriers. Regulatory hurdles, funding limitations, and the need for extensive clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of new treatments are some of the critical obstacles that researchers and healthcare providers face.
Addressing the challenges and barriers in translational research requires collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders, including industry partners, regulatory authorities, and patient advocacy groups. These collaborations can help address regulatory hurdles, secure funding, and ensure that new interventions are responsive to the needs and preferences of the diabetes community.
Furthermore, effective collaboration between researchers and healthcare providers bridges the gap between research and clinical practice. By working together, they can ensure that the insights gained from basic science research are effectively translated into practical interventions and precision treatment.
As researchers and healthcare providers continue to build on the advancements in basic and translational science, the future of diabetes care is poised to undergo a transformative shift from the “one-size-fits-all” approach to precision medicine. This, along with AI and technology and regenerative medicine, collectively represent a shift in diabetes care, promising more effective, personalised, and technologically advanced treatments.
From developing novel drug classes and advanced medical devices to implementing precision medicine approaches, basic and translational science has significantly improved the options available to people with diabetes. Translational research is likely to continue driving the development of preventive strategies to address the root causes of diabetes and its complications. Additionally, efforts to address health disparities and improve access to diabetes care globally will remain a key focus, ensuring that innovative interventions are accessible to diverse populations.
As we look to the future, the continued advancements in basic and translational science hold immense promise for transforming how diabetes is understood, treated, and managed. By embracing innovation, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, and providing patient-focused care, the diabetes research community can drive progress for better overall well-being.
Learn more on the topic with our host Phyllisa Deroze as she delves into the world of basic and translational science with Prof Michael Roden, a leading expert in the field and lead of the Basic and Translational Science stream at the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2025 in Bangkok.
Are you a healthcare professional and would like to learn more about the role of basic and translational science in preventing diabetes and diabetes-related complications? Join us at the IDF World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok from 7 – 10 April 2025 where a dedicated stream on Basic and Translational Science will address recent progress in diabetes research, ranging from experimental models to mechanistic human studies. The topics will cover ground-breaking evidence for novel findings and their relevance to future applications in diabetes management.
Discover the IDF 2025 programme and register.
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