Immunointerventions in new-onset patients or high-risk relatives: slowing down or preventing type 1 diabetes
Studies with immunotherapy
Type 1 diabetes is caused by a strong reduction in the number of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (beta-cells). These cells are being destroyed by a specific type of white blood cells.
As type 1 diabetes is considered animmune-mediated disease, the Belgian Diabetic Register is currently involved in immunointervention studies aiming to slow down the natural disease course.
Currently there are no studies ongoing in high-risk relatives. Presently, there is one ongoing study with immunotherapy (DIABIL-2 study) actively recruiting new-onset patients. The recruitment is organized by the BDR. The current study is for patients between 6-35 years old who had the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes since less than two months.
For more information: contact your specialist.
Diabil study
- Patients 6 – 35 years
- Maximum three months between start of insulin treatment and the start of the experimental treatment.
- It is an European clinical study (phase II) that investigates the effect of a low dose interleukin – 2 injection on the evolution of the disease. It hopes to slow down the beta cell destruction.
- Inform yourself about the inclusion and exclusion criteria to see if you are a good candidate for this study.
- This study consists of one year treatment (every week or every two weeks) and one year of follow up.
Future:
There are more immunological studies to come. Contact your BDR – diabetologist or pedatrician for further information.