Type 1 diabetes: Balearics get just one of four trials

For people on Mallorca with type 1 diabetes, the Balearic Islands are involved in just one of Spain’s four clinical trials. Only 160 people nationwide can take part in 2026. The DiabetesCERO Foundation set out those figures on 10 November 2026 and says a patient’s chance of joining depends heavily on where they live.

A short window after diagnosis

The trials are testing treatments that could slow the disease or help find a cure. All four use immunotherapies intended to protect cells that still produce insulin. Most focus on people recently diagnosed, and some require patients to join within fewer than 56 days.

For those who have lived with type 1 diabetes for years, the foundation says Spain lacks trials of treatments to regenerate or replace cells. It points to transplants of cells from the pancreas as one example.

One trial in the Balearics, four in Bilbao

All four trials involve Cruces University Hospital in Bilbao, in the Basque Country. The Balearic Islands are involved in one. Across Spain, 76 per cent of provinces have no participating centre, leaving patients in those areas to travel to another region if they want to try to join a trial.

The foundation also says patients and healthcare staff lack clear information about which trials are available and how to access them. It has launched a petition calling for fairer access ahead of World Diabetes Day on 14 November.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com