What Are Other Experimental Therapies for Preventing or Treating Type 1 Diabetes?

Although insulin is the mainstay of type 1 diabetes treatment, research is on-going to develop other approaches that might, in time, even be curative. The basis for nearly all experimental measures for prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes are stabilization of beta-cells. Preventive measures are sometimes defined as primary and secondary. Primary prevention attempts to preserve all beta-cells before the disease process starts while secondary prevention hopes to deter further beta-cell destruction once it has started and before symptoms arise. Treatment techniques are those aimed at stabilizing any remaining beta-cells at or after diagnosis.

Nicotinamide and Vitamin E

Nicotinamide, a derivative of vitamin B3, may protect beta-cells from the damaging inflammatory processes triggered by the immune system. Some trials are studying the addition of nicotinamide to an insulin regimen in patients who have just been diagnosed with diabetes. Several large trials are underway to determine if high doses can protect children at risk for diabetes. Vitamin E may also offer some protection, and some experts recommend trials of both vitamins.

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