Diabetes Is Not Invincible
Diabetes is not invincible; this is the certainty that has driven the Umberto Di Mario Foundation’s research activities for 17 years. Chronic diseases such as diabetes but also cancer and bowel inflammatory diseases, represent the main interest of the Foundation, which fosters research in the biomedical field, putting into practice the values of Professor Umberto Di Mario (one of the founders) who was convinced that motivation of talents is essential for success and creativity.
The Foundation, established in 2000, is one of the research groups that set up its laboratories in TLS, together with the ITT and the Pisa CNR. Here, Francesco Dotta, Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Siena, coordinates the Foundation’s activities focused on diabetes research in close cooperation with the University.
The aim of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life. Over the years, many important discoveries were made, such as the relationship between viruses and diabetes type 1 onset, in cooperation with the Sienese scientist Rino Rappuoli.
Many projects are ongoing, as explained by Francesco Dotta in his interview. Among these projects, there is the one focused on the intestinal microbiome: many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, are strongly influenced by the microbe composition in the intestine.
To finance the studies of its researchers, the Umberto Di Mario Foundation receives funds from international (European Community and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in the US) and national (Region of Tuscany, Health Department) entities.
The laboratory of the Umberto Di Mario Foundation has been located in TLS since 2008.

For more information: www.fondazionedimario.org