Division of Pediatric Endocrinology- Research

If you have a relative with type 1 diabetes, your chances of being diagnosed are 15 times greater than a person with no family history of the disease. Although the symptoms of diabetes seem to appear suddenly, the disease typically begins months to years before symptoms appear.

TrialNet’s Pathway to Prevention Study

A simple screening blood test can identify an increased risk for developing diabetes up to 10 years before symptoms occur. This study looks for certain markers in the blood (autoantibodies) that signal this increased risk. On average 95% of people who have this blood test are found to have a low risk of developing type 1 diabetes. But the 5% of people who are identified as having an increased risk may be eligible for a prevention study. Those with first-degree relatives (parent, child, siblings) with type 1 diabetes aged 2-45 are eligible for screening. Those with second-degree relatives (grandparent, aunt/uncle, cousin, half-sibling) with type 1 diabetes aged 2-20 are eligible for screening as well.

For more information, please contact Kali Johnson at 612-624-6682 or [email protected]. 

ATG 

We are testing a medicine, low-dose anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) to see if it can delay or prevent T1 Diabetes in eligible participants who are at high risk for developing T1 Diabetes within 2 years. A previous TrialNet study in newly diagnosed populations found that ATG may help people continue to make insulin and improve blood sugar levels. This medication would be delivered via intravenous infusion over 2 consecutive days. 

Must be positive for 2 or more T1D autoantibodies, between 6-35 years old, abnormal blood sugar (using a glucose tolerance test), comfortable with intravenous infusions, and 1 additional high-risk marker. For more information please contact Veronica Jones-Carr, RN at 612-625-9709 or [email protected]. 

We often have studies for people just recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. On average people have about 10-20% of their insulin producing beta cells left when they are diagnosed with clinical diabetes. Some of our research is interested in looking at why the immune system is fighting these insulin making cells and some of our research is looking at ways that we can save those cells that are left.

JAKPOT

We are testing two drugs (abrocitinib and ritlecitinib) to see if they can preserve beta cell function in those with recent clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (stage 3). Both drugs are already used for the management of other diseases and conditions. Abrocitinib is currently used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and ritlecitinib is currently used for the treatment of alopecia areata. This is the first study to see if these drugs can help in type 1 diabetes. 

Must be within 100 days of T1D diagnosis, between 12-35 years old, and able to swallow oral capsules/tablets. For more information, please contact Kali Johnson at 612-624-6682 or [email protected]. 

RELAY

We are testing the use of Rituximab-pvvr and Abatacept, one after the other, to learn if using both treatments extends insulin production in people newly diagnosed with T1 Diabetes. Previous studies with similar treatments showed people can make more insulin for a longer period of time while on either of these treatments. Each medication is FDA approved to treat autoimmune conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rituximab-pvvr will be given in four doses, once a week by intravenous infusion. Three months after the last dose of Rituximab-pvvr, you will receive a supply of syringes filled with Abatacept to self inject at home after thorough education/demonstration with our study team. 

Must be within 100 days of T1D Diagnosis, between the ages of 8-45 years old, 1 or more diabetes related autoantibodies, and c-peptide detectable during a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT), and comfortable with intravenous infusions along with self administering subcutaneous injections. For more information, please contact Veronica Jones-Carr, RN at 612-625-9709 or [email protected]. 

Our studies for people with established diabetes often focus on better ways to manage diabetes and prevent complications. We sometimes work with insulin pump and glucometer manufacturers to find better ways to test blood sugars and give insulin. We also do studies to help determine the progression of the disease and hopefully find ways to prevent complications.