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.

For more information about participating in this trial and to help research towards a type 1 diabetes vaccine, please visit the newly relaunched website: www.stopdiabetes.com.au.

The new website features profiles of some of the trial participants, and explains how their regular participation contributes towards the search for type 1 prevention. You can also connect with the trial on Facebook and Twitter.

JDRF is committed to improving the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes, and ultimately curing the disease. We encourage our community to support this trial and register your interest!

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.

The advancement of an artificial pancreas is a priority for the t1d community. People with t1d constantly have to determine the right amount of insulin to dose at the right time, multiple times a day. Yet even with diligent monitoring, a portion of the day can still be spent with high or low blood sugar, placing them at risk.

Low Glucose Suspend Technology approved in United States

In-home trials of low glucose suspend technology have been approved for the first time in the U.S. An LGS system is a version of an insulin pump which suspends insulin delivery when a monitor indicates a person with diabetes has or is projected to have low glucose levels.

These systems are the first step toward an artificial pancreas, a device that could transform the lives of individuals with t1d. By automating detection of blood sugar levels and delivery of insulin in response to those levels, an artificial pancreas has the potential to transform the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.

JDRF Australia CEO Mike Wilson says these steps towards using an artificial pancreas in a real-life setting are encouraging.

“This technology has great potential to improve the lives of the t1d community, but it will only be successful if it can be used as people go about their daily lives. These two developments are a big step forward in achieving that goal”.

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

A JDRF-funded study has characterised a subgroup of people who have had diabetes for 50 years or more, who remain free from complications. This population is likely enriched for protective factors against complications, and uncovering any protective mechanisms against complications might prove useful to the general population with diabetes.

The study of 351 Joslin Medallists (who have survived 50 years or more of type 1 diabetes) assessed retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease in relation to a range of risk factors. It was found that a high proportion of Joslin Medallists remained free of diabetes complications and that, in this group, glycaemic control was unrelated to the development of complications. Specific Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGE) combinations were strongly associated with complications, indicating a link between AGE formation or processing with the development of complications.

Clinical trials of an overnight artificial pancreas system improve glycemic control

Two JDRF-funded clinical trials have been run to compare the safety and efficacy of an overnight Artificial Pancreas system with conventional insulin pump therapy. Published in the British Medical Journal, the trials tested 24 adults on an ‘eating in’ scenario (mid-sized meal) and an ‘eating out’ scenario (larger meal + alcohol). During overnight closed loop delivery, sensor measurements of glucose were fed into a computer algorithm, which advised insulin pump infusion rates at 15 minute intervals.

For the eating in scenario, overnight closed loop delivery of insulin increased the time plasma glucose levels were in target by 15%. For the eating out scenario, closed loop delivery increased the time plasma glucose levels were in target by 28%. Overall, time plasma in target range increased by 22%, and overnight time spent hypoglycemic was reduced by 3%.

Transplantation of encapsulated stem cells reduces glucose levels in diabetic mice

Insulin producing cells have been derived from stem cells and transplanted into mice with diabetes. Stem cells from human umbilical cord blood and from mouse bone marrow were differentiated into insulin producing cells, and encapsulated in an alginate membrane before being transplanted into diabetic mice.

Transplantation of these cells into mice with diabetes led to reduced blood glucose levels and increased body weight. Encapsulation protected the transplanted cells from the immune response and prevented graft rejection.

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.

Why is this important?
“Studies on drugs that are already available on the market are always exciting because they are much closer to being widely available for people with type 1 diabetes,” said Dr Dorota Pawlak PhD, Head of Research Development at JDRF.

“Although many regulatory hurdles have already been passed, we don’t fully understand the impact of this drug on people with type 1 diabetes so we’ll be watching the results of the next round of trials, which are larger and more significant, very closely.”

Dr Sarg said it is important to emphasise that these results were from a small pilot study. “Nonetheless the first ever to test the use of a DPP-4 inhibitor for type 1 diabetes.”

How does it work?
Januvia’s pharmaceutical name is Sitagliptin and its function is to reduce the effect of the enzyme DPP-4, which allows a hormone called GLP-1 to work longer. GLP-1 is described as a ‘helpful hormone’ because it triggers the release of naturally produced insulin when food arrives in the stomach to facilitate the take-up of nutrients. Without the intervention of medication like Januvia, DPP-4 usually attacks GLP-1 after a minute or two in people with diabetes.

What’s next?
Dr Garg will expand the trial to several centres in the US on 100 patients.

Read more about this trial.

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.

For the first time, thousands of kids and adults with type 1 diabetes from around Australia, alongside their families and friends, worked together to help federal politicians understand the importance of a $35m government commitment for the CTN.

To all those members of our community who put in such an incredible effort to secure government funding for the CTN, congratulations and heartfelt thanks. Federal politicians received a message loud and clear about increased support for type 1 diabetes clinical trials.

Working together to deliver results:

• In March, Kids in the House families secured a $5m grant for the CTN from the Federal Government. This is a good first step and represents an amazing effort by Youth Ambassadors, their families and JDRF President Sue Alberti. However, it doesn’t guarantee certainty of funding for multi-year clinical trials, which means that advocacy efforts will continue.
• JDRF and Advocates secured an election commitment of $35m from the Coalition. This is the full amount needed to significantly increase the number of clinical trials pursuing a cure for type 1 diabetes in Australia.
• More than 8,000 emails were sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health asking for their support for a CTN.
• Nearly 100 newspaper and radio stories about the CTN appeared in media around Australia.
• Hundreds of phone calls were made to MPs across the country, making personal requests of support for the CTN.

What’s next?

Australia has a new government headed by Julia Gillard and supported by several Independent MPs. It is clear that CTN Advocates made a big impact on MPs on all sides of politics in the lead up to the election – thank you again to all those involved for your incredible efforts. The strong relationships that were developed will remain the key to encouraging significant Government support for research in to type 1 diabetes through the CTN.

The next potential means of support is through the Federal Budget. JDRF are working closely with the Government in our attempts to get a commitment to $35m of further funding for the CTN, as was the focus of the election campaign. We hope you will remain involved.

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.

Ranibizumab (Lucentis) is currently used to treat age-related macular degeneration but trial results published in May 2010 have shown that a combination of laser treatment with ranibizumab injection is a safe and effective treatment for DME.

According to trial investigators, the improvements seen during the trial could enable a person with DME to resume activities such as reading or driving. Whilst the treatment is expensive, and can only be administered in a medical clinic, investigators have recommended that ranibizumab be considered as a standard treatment for patients with DME.

Meanwhile, early data from another clinical trial has shown that an existing blood pressure therapy called mecamylamine is also safe to use in patients with DME and appears to slow the progress of severe forms of DME in people with type 1 diabetes.

Administered as eye drops rather than injection, the study showed that 40% of trial participants with severe DME recorded a significant improvement during the 16 week trial. Because this potential treatment can be self-administered, it may also ease the burdens of healthcare costs and compliance. Further trials are now planned to establish effectiveness in a larger group of patients.

Both of these trials were funded through JDRF grants or partnerships.

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.

With three weeks before the federal election, JDRF is setting a new challenge to advocates:

Make your voice heard today…

Take your Advocacy to the next level by becoming a Type 1 Leader…

Ask your friends and family to support your advocacy:

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

The Government has not yet given a commitment for $35m for the Clinical Trial Network.

Blue Mountains mother Nicole Ashcroft, whose daughter Madison has type 1 diabetes said, “This issue means everything to me, because one day my child’s life might depend on the technology that is currently available overseas. I’m making a personal plea to the Prime Minister to support us.”

In the lead-up to a Federal election, people affected by type 1 diabetes are putting pressure on the Government to match the Coalition election commitment of $35 million to JDRF for the CTN. The $5m given by the former Prime Minister is not enough because children and adults with type 1 diabetes need certainty about funding to participate in multi-year clinical trials.

President of JDRF Susan Alberti AO was moved to send an urgent letter directly to the Prime Minister, saying that the CTN was simply critical.

“Medical research has given people with type 1 diabetes a life they could only dream of 20 years ago. Australia has traditionally been a leader in this field, participating in some of the most significant breakthroughs. But I am sorry to say our country is falling behind. Australians with type 1 diabetes have significantly less access to exciting new therapies and technologies than people in other countries.”

JDRF’s advocacy campaign has given families with type 1 diabetes the tools they need to send emails, letters and media releases to MPs and newspapers across the country. There is still 3 weeks to run in the election campaign. Sign up now or take your advocacy to the next level with a media release and phone call.

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,

In this time of intense political debate, I feel the need to remind you of what is really important to the people you represent. I want to tell you about the realities of a disease that has significantly affected my life and the lives of hundreds of thousands of other Australians – type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a devastating and life-threatening autoimmune disease that occurs through no fault of the sufferer. It leaves people living a daily cycle of insulin injections and finger pricks, where even a small mistake or unpredictable change can be potentially fatal.

It inflicts an enormous personal and medical burden on individuals and their families and friends. With a range of devastating health complications that can arise over time, it also imposes a significant healthcare cost on the nation. Australia has the 6th highest incidence of type 1 diabetes in the world and every year more and more children are being diagnosed.

My life has personally been deeply touched by this disease. My only daughter, Danielle, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1981 at the age of 12.  In 2001 Danielle died in my arms from complications of diabetes in the middle of a flight from the United States. We were travelling together to Australia so that I could donate one of my kidneys to her, as hers had started to fail due to the disease. I myself was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes four years ago.

Unfortunately, my story of loss is not uncommon. The same situation happens far too often – as a parent recently said to me “My biggest worry is when I go into my son’s bedroom every morning – I just hope I can wake him up.”

Amongst this sadness, there is hope. Medical research has made wonderful progress, giving people with type 1 diabetes a life they could only dream of 20 years ago. Australia has traditionally been a leader in this field, with our scientists participating in some of the most significant breakthroughs to date.

But I am sorry to say that Australia is falling behind. Our scientists are still passionate and determined, but Australians with type 1 diabetes have significantly less access to exciting new therapies and technologies than people in other countries. In the US and Canada, a child newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can participate in a number of clinical trials that will slow down progression of this disease. An Australian child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes has no such opportunities. Globally there are 153 clinical trials available for people with type 1 diabetes: there are only nine in Australia.

We can do something to address this. The establishment of an Australian Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Trial Network like those that already exist overseas will help make these opportunities available to Australians who can benefit..

I have personally committed $500,000 towards the establishment of such a network in Australia. A week ago Tony Abbott, the Leader of the Opposition, announced an election commitment of $35m for a Clinical Trial Network for Type 1 Diabetes. I implore the Government to make the same commitment – and it will be welcomed by all Australians and particularly all whose lives are affected by diabetes.

This week is National Diabetes Week, a time where we can reflect on the millions of people living, and dying, with diabetes worldwide. It is also a time to act. Make no mistake – we are in a critical situation and you have the power to dramatically change the lives of both adults and children living with type 1 diabetes. This disease goes beyond politics but your support is key to providing hope for a different future for those living with it.

I will not rest, and nor will the entire type 1 diabetes community, until a cure is found. Nor should the Government.

Yours sincerely

Susan Alberti AO

President, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

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.

The Federal Opposition today committed to providing the full funding required to establish a CTN if elected. JDRF Youth Ambassadors personally thanked Mr Abbott for his support.

Chris Yates, resident of Mr Abbott’s electorate and mother of a JDRF Youth Ambassador, said that by making the funding commitment, the Federal Opposition Leader had confirmed that he has a full understanding of the challenges of life with type 1 diabetes and the desperate need for increased access to clinical trials.

“This commitment is a demonstration of support for the type 1 diabetes community. I hope we can make the case for government funding for clinical trials because this investment will save money and lives in the long run,” said Chris.

“As a parent it is so disappointing to think that there are treatments and technologies available overseas that my daughter can’t access. These could make a huge difference by protecting her against common diabetes complications like blindness and kidney failure, and giving us real hope that she could lead a long and healthy life.”

JDRF’s CEO Mike Wilson said that the additional $35m in government funding for the CTN was necessary to provide security of funding for clinical trials, which often run for several years.

“Parents of children with type 1 diabetes have told us that continuity of funding is paramount. Without certainty that a clinical trial will run its course, families should not be asked to sign up their child.”

“The need for a CTN is clear: Australia has fallen behind the US and UK in therapies and technologies for people with type 1 diabetes. One particular gap in clinical trials is the Artificial Pancreas, which improves health for people with type 1 diabetes and is available in the US and UK, but not Australia.”

“An American child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can choose to participate in a number of clinical trials that will slow down progression of this devastating disease. An Australian child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just doesn’t have this opportunity.”

“We know that government investment in medical research delivers a substantial benefit to the health system in the long term. We can expect that the CTN will deliver preventative health benefits and help to reduce the heavy cost burden of diabetes on our hospitals.”

“Australia has one of the highest rates of type 1 diabetes in the world and the rate of new cases in Australian children is rising by 3% every year. This situation is urgent.”