Odd Lots Podcast - Episode Summary: Targeting Type 1 Diabetes (Sponsored Content)
Release Date: June 22, 2025
Hosts: Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway
Produced By: Bloomberg Media Studios and Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Introduction to Type 1 Diabetes

In the latest sponsored episode of Bloomberg's "Odd Lots" titled Targeting Type 1 Diabetes, hosts Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway delve deep into the complexities of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), a chronic disease affecting over 8 million people globally. The episode highlights personal stories, historical context, and cutting-edge research spearheaded by Vertex Pharmaceuticals aimed at finding a cure for this relentless condition.

Madison Carter's Journey with Type 1 Diabetes

The episode begins with the compelling story of Madison Carter, an award-winning investigative reporter from Atlanta, Georgia, who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since childhood.

• Early Diagnosis and Challenges
  Madison shares her childhood struggles:

  "People will tell you I go for everything I say, everything that needs to be said, like I have no fear, like I don't have a lot to lose." (01:02)

  Diagnosed at age three after exhibiting severe symptoms such as extreme weight loss, constant thirst, and fatigue, Madison recounts the emotional and physical toll of managing her condition from a young age.

• Personal Tragedy and Resilience
  A poignant moment in her life was the sudden death of her younger sister, Cameron, who also had T1D:

  "I would call her the good diabetic. Like, she really did everything she needed to do. And I was kind of in that phase of doing just enough to stay alive. And she died." (06:00)

  This loss profoundly impacted Madison, leading her to take a year off from diabetes management. However, her determination saw her resume her self-care practices, emphasizing the daily grind required to live with T1D.

• Embracing Technology
  Madison highlights advancements that have improved her quality of life:

  "Having a continuous glucose monitor is probably one of the best inventions. So now I can glance at my blood sugars and I can then pick up my insulin pump, which is right next to that device, and just input the numbers." (16:04)

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Dr. Erin Kowalski provides an in-depth explanation of T1D, outlining its physiological impact and the critical importance of insulin:

• Physiology of T1D

  "Our pancreas produces insulin, a special hormone that the body needs to process glucose... Those insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed." (04:17)

  Without insulin, glucose remains in the blood, causing hyperglycemia and leading to severe complications if untreated.

• Historical Context and Advances
  Reflecting on a century since insulin's discovery, Dr. Kowalski remarks:

  "Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, every single type one person died." (07:34)

  The episode also touches on the landmark DCCT trial of 1983, which established the link between high blood sugar and long-term complications, underscoring the necessity of intensive blood sugar management.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals' Innovative Approach

Dr. Felicia Pagliuca, Vice President and Disease Area Executive for T1D at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, discusses the company's strategic focus on understanding the causal biology of diseases to design transformative therapies.

• Cell Therapy Research
  Vertex is pioneering cell therapy as a potential treatment for T1D by replacing the destroyed insulin-producing beta cells:

  "Science has advanced to a place where even a decade ago, it was unthinkable... to think that you could make replacement islet cells in the laboratory." (10:55)

• Collaborations and Expertise
  The episode highlights the role of Dr. Doug Melton, a distinguished fellow at Vertex and a leading stem cell researcher, whose personal experience with T1D in his family fuels his dedication:

  "My wife had to deal with the fact that she was also breastfeeding Sam at the time... she looked at me more or less and said, look, you're a scientist. Go do something about this." (12:18)

Dr. Doug Melton's Personal Motivation and Breakthroughs

Dr. Melton shares his personal impetus to combat T1D after his son was diagnosed, driving him to develop functional insulin-producing cells from human stem cells.

• Scientific Breakthroughs
  A pivotal moment came around 2013-2014 when his team successfully programmed these cells to respond to glucose levels:

  "The moment where we had a test and when we added glucose, the cells squirted out insulin, and then we knew we were on the right track." (13:59)

• Vision for the Future
  Dr. Melton expresses optimism about the advancements:

  "We now know the problem and we just have to do it." (15:21)

  He affectionately carries a vial of insulin-producing cells as a reminder of the progress and the potential for a cure.

Personal and Professional Reflections

Madison Carter reflects on how her condition has shaped her personality:

"I was like, I don't want to take the shot. I don't want to do this again tomorrow. I don't. I don't want to. Not that I wanted to die, but I just did not want to work this hard to be alive." (15:49)

Despite her challenges, Madison remains a symbol of resilience and determination, advocating for better treatments to alleviate the burdens faced by those with T1D.

Conclusion: A Hopeful Path Forward

The episode concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of scientists, medical professionals, and patients in the fight against Type 1 Diabetes. Vertex Pharmaceuticals' innovative research, combined with personal stories like Madison Carter's, highlight the potential for groundbreaking treatments that could transform the lives of millions affected by T1D.

Notable Quotes:

• Madison Carter on fearlessness:

  "People will tell you I go for everything I say... like I have no fear." (01:02)

• Dr. Erin Kowalski on Dr. Doug Melton's inspiration:

  "Think about cells as being a cause of disease, but think about cells as being a solution to diseases." (09:54)

• Dr. Doug Melton on managing his son's T1D:

  "You're a scientist. Go do something about this." (12:18)

• Madison Carter on technology improving her life:

  "Having a continuous glucose monitor is probably one of the best inventions." (16:04)

Final Thoughts

Targeting Type 1 Diabetes offers a profound exploration of the challenges and advancements in managing and potentially curing Type 1 Diabetes. Through personal narratives and expert insights, the episode underscores the relentless pursuit of a cure and the hope it brings to millions worldwide. For those interested in the intersection of health, technology, and personal resilience, this episode of "Odd Lots" is both informative and inspiring.