An interview with Nicola Santoro
Nicola Santoro is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Yale School of Medicine. Within the MuSiC4Diabetes project, he is a member of the Advisory Board, and supports the project with his expertise in pediatric endicronology and diabetes. We had the oportunity to ask him a couple of questions about his personal commitment in diabetes innovation and his personal ambitions for the project.
Tell us a bit about yourself – why did you chose to work in the field of diabetes?
I am currently an Associate Professor in Pediatrics specializing in diabetes at Yale University. My interest in diabetes began during my undergraduate studies in medicine, where I developed a fascination with endocrinology and metabolic diseases. During my training, I witnessed many young patients struggle with diabetes, which inspired me to pursue a field where I could make a tangible difference in people's lives. My academic path took me through a rigorous program in medical sciences, where I focused on metabolic disorders. During my doctoral studies, I worked on several research projects aimed at understanding the mechanisms of insulin resistance, which cemented my dedication to the field. Professionally, I am motivated by the complexity and the urgent need for advancements in diabetes treatment and management. Diabetes affects millions worldwide, and the opportunity to contribute to alleviating this global health issue is profoundly compelling.
When you first hear about MuSiC4iabetes, what made you decide to become part of our Scientific advisory board?
I heard about MuSiC4iabetes from Dr. Claudio Cobelli a friend and a leader in the field of diabetes. His worked has inspired many investigators including myself. I was fascinated with the ultimate ambition of the study to make a completely automated system to deliver insulin and measure metabolic compounds more efficiently in order to provide the patient with a safe therapeutic device and a allow them to have a less stressful and safer life.
You are a specialist for pediatric endocrinology and diabetes. Do you think the device developed by the project partners will make a difference, especially for younger patients suffering from Diabetes type1? As a specialist in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes with over 20 years of experience, I firmly believe that the device developed by the project partners has the potential to significantly impact younger patients suffering from Type 1 Diabetes. Children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes face unique challenges, including the need for frequent blood sugar monitoring and insulin administration, which can be both invasive and disruptive to their daily lives. Managing blood glucose levels effectively is crucial, yet it requires continuous vigilance that can be difficult for young patients and their families. Moreover, a correct approach would include the monitoring of ketone bodies and lactate. The new device presents several promising features that directly address these needs. For instance, if it offers continuous glucose, lactate and ketones monitoring with less frequent calibration requirements and more accurate readings, it will greatly reduce the burden and increase the safety of the patients. Additionally, the device can significantly enhance glycemic control and lessen the risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
What would you say is most remarkable about the project approach?
Features such as user-friendly interfaces and connectivity with smartphone applications can empower younger patients and their caregivers by providing more accessible and real-time data, making diabetes management more intuitive. This empowerment can lead to improved adherence to treatment protocols and better overall health outcomes. In my professional opinion, devices like this represent a substantial advancement in diabetes management technology. They have the capability to improve the quality of life for younger patients by offering less invasive, more accurate, and more manageable ways to control their condition. Long-term, such innovations may become the new standard of care in pediatric diabetes, leading to better clinical outcomes and closing the gap between current treatment limitations and the ideal management of Type 1 Diabetes.
Discover the MuSiC4Diabetes Consortium here.