JDRF - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

The JDRF-funded Type 1 Diabetes Prevention Trial is a groundbreaking medical trial that aims to determine if the risk of getting type 1 diabetes can be eliminated by a nasal insulin vaccine. The trial is now into its fifth year and has screened over six thousand people in Australia and New Zealand to assess eligibility, with 58 eligible people now participating in the trial.

The trial is looking for more volunteers to reach their goal of 12,000! To participate in the initial screening test, you will need to be aged between 4 – 30 years with a relative with type 1 diabetes. This first step will be a free blood test for antibodies that may indicate a future risk of getting type 1 diabetes.

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Real life use of an artificial pancreas

For the first time ever in parallel experiments in both France and Italy, two participants with type 1 diabetes were able to control their diabetes using an artificial pancreas system in a real-life setting. Participants spent a night at a hotel and eating at a restaurant while using the device, and attained near-normal glucose levels. The research team used approved insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, which were controlled by a hand-held device and monitored by the investigators to ensure safety.

These were the first outpatient trials using an approach developed by the JDRF-supported International Artificial Pancreas Study Group, an international research group. Previous trials have all been conducted in an in-patient setting. Eight more patients enrolled in the trial will begin outpatient testing in coming weeks.

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A summary of three highlights of research progress from around the world:

1. Joslin 50-year Medallist study uncovers protective factors against diabetes complications
2. Clinical trials of an overnight artificial pancreas system improve glycemic control
3. Transplantation of encapsulated stem cells reduces glucose levels in diabetic mice

Joslin 50-year Medallist study uncovers protective factors against diabetes complications

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Early results from a US study have found that Januvia, a widely used medication that lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, could help those with type 1 lower their BGL when used in tandem with insulin.

Dr Satish Garg, from the University of Colorado, found that Januvia helped to lower BGL in people with type 1 diabetes who were having difficulty stabilising blood sugar levels. On average, the trial participants were able to reduce their insulin dose by 10% with this once-a-day tablet.

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Australians finally know who their Prime Minister is, but what does this mean for type 1 diabetes research and the Clinical Trials Network? JDRF reviews recent events.

The most remarkable achievement was the enthusiasm showed by the type 1 diabetes community in talking with politicians about the Clinical Trial Network (CTN), an important initiative to improve access to new therapies and technologies for Australians with type 1 diabetes.

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US-based clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of two new therapies for Diabetic Macular Edema.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is a common health complication of type 1 diabetes and involves swelling in the centre of the retina (otherwise known as the macula). The swelling is caused by leaking blood vessels, damaged by periods of high blood glucose. People with macular edema lose their detailed vision and as such the ability to perform common daily activities. Severe damage results in legal blindness.

Laser therapy, the standard treatment for DME, has been used for almost 25 years. While it’s effective in early stage disease, new treatments are urgently needed for people with more aggressive forms of the condition. JDRF have been supporting a number of trials in this area, and in the last few months, results from two of these trials have shown promising results.

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Thousands of advocates from across Australia have stepped up to help secure $35 million for a Clinical Trial Network.

Thanks to all the letters, emails, phone calls and media releases, the campaign for a Clinical Trial Network is having a big impact.

Unfortunately, no government commitment has been made, so funding for the clinical trials in Australia is still uncertain.

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Thousands of advocates have made their voice heard for a Clinical Trial Network, with new supporters signing up every day. The message is clear; Australians cannot accept that our country is falling behind the US and the UK in access to the latest treatments and therapies for type 1 diabetes. A Government commitment of $35 million for a Clinical Trials Network will take research to where it is needed most – directly to people living with this difficult disease.

So far, advocates have not received the answer they are desperately hoping for but it is not too late to get involved.

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An open letter to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health in National Diabetes Week 2010 from the President of JDRF Australia, Susan Alberti AO.

Dear Prime Minister Gillard and Minister Roxon,

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JDRF welcomes today’s $35 million commitment from the Opposition Leader, the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, to fund the Clinical Trial Network (CTN) that will improve the health of Australians with type 1 diabetes.

JDRF is seeking $40m in Federal Government funding to establish the CTN, with a contribution from JDRF of $10m. The Government’s recent initial commitment of $5m for the CTN was a positive first step.

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