Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of individuals around the world. This autoimmune disorder causes the body’s immune system to attack the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.

Insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, and without it, glucose levels can become dangerously high. Traditional treatment for type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin injections to manage blood sugar levels. However, a newly approved drug may help delay the onset of type 1 diabetes and reduce the need for insulin injections.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Before discussing the new drug’s potential benefits, it’s important to understand how type 1 diabetes affects the body. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.

In the case of type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the body’s cells, causing sugar to build up in the bloodstream. This can lead to a variety of complications, including kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.

Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for individuals with type 1 diabetes, as it can prevent these complications from developing.

Currently, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. The only treatment options are to manage blood sugar levels through insulin injections or a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM).

However, researchers are constantly exploring new treatment options that may delay the onset of type 1 diabetes or prevent the immune system from attacking the beta cells in the pancreas.

New Drug May Delay Onset of Type 1 Diabetes

Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug called teplizumab for individuals who are at high risk for developing type 1 diabetes.

Teplizumab is an antibody therapy that targets a specific type of immune cell that destroys beta cells in the pancreas. By targeting these immune cells, teplizumab may delay the onset of type 1 diabetes or reduce the need for insulin injections.

The FDA approval of teplizumab was based on the results of a clinical trial that included over 70 individuals who were at high risk for developing type 1 diabetes.

In the trial, half of the participants received teplizumab, while the other half received a placebo. Individuals who received teplizumab had a significantly lower incidence of developing type 1 diabetes over the course of the trial compared to those who received the placebo.

While the results of the trial are promising, it’s important to note that teplizumab is not a cure for type 1 diabetes.

According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the drug is meant to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes for a period of time. Individuals who receive teplizumab will still need to monitor their blood sugar levels and may require insulin injections or a CGM in the future.

Who is at High Risk for Developing Type 1 Diabetes?

Teplizumab is intended for individuals who are at high risk for developing type 1 diabetes.

But who is considered “high risk”? According to the JDRF, individuals who have a first-degree relative (such as a parent or sibling) with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk for developing the condition themselves. Other risk factors include the presence of certain autoantibodies in the blood and genetic markers that are associated with type 1 diabetes.

If you are considered high risk for developing type 1 diabetes, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to manage your risk.

In addition to teplizumab, there are other strategies that may help delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, such as following a low-carbohydrate diet and participating in regular exercise.

Teplizumab’s Potential Side Effects

As with any medication, teplizumab may cause side effects. In the clinical trial that led to the FDA approval of teplizumab, the most common side effects included rash, fever, and itching. However, serious side effects were rare.

It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of teplizumab with your doctor before starting treatment.

Your doctor can help you decide if teplizumab is a good option for you based on your individual health history and risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Conclusion

The FDA approval of teplizumab represents a significant milestone in the development of new treatments for type 1 diabetes.

While the drug is not a cure, it has the potential to delay the onset of the condition and reduce the need for insulin injections in high-risk individuals. As researchers continue to explore new treatment options for type 1 diabetes, individuals with the condition can take comfort in the fact that there are more options available to manage their health than ever before.