Health

Stopping the attack on insulin-producing cells

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 14, 2006

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Eighteen medical centers in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia have begun a variety of new clinical trials in type 1 diabetes in which they will seek to slow or stop the immune system's attack on insulin-producing cells in two groups of people: those newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and those at risk for developing it. The studies are being funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The immune destruction of beta cells begins well before a person develops the symptoms of diabetes and continues long after the disease is diagnosed. Researchers hope to prevent further destruction of beta cells in those who are newly diagnosed. Another study in the trial is seeking to "turn off" the cells that are thought to urge the immune cells on in their attack on insulin-producing cells. More information is available online (link).

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/08/14/hlbf0814.htm.

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