City of Hope to participate in nationwide Diabetes Prevention Trial.DUARTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 11, 1996--City of Hope National Medical Center is participating in the Diabetes Prevention Trial (DPT-1), a nationwide clinical trial designed to determine whether Type 1 diabetes type 1 diabetes n. See diabetes mellitus. , also known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes juvenile diabetes n. Insulin-dependent diabetes. , can be prevented or delayed in people at risk for developing the disease. ``One of the most common chronic diseases in children, Type 1 diabetes is a disorder that usually develops in children or adults under the age of 45,'' explained Jerry Nadler, M.D., director, Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, and City of Hope principal investigator on the study. ``People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin injections to survive and must follow a daily routine of controlling blood sugar with insulin shots, testing their blood, and balancing meals and activities.'' Type 1 diabetes develops over several years, and symptoms do not appear until most of the insulin-producing cells have been destroyed. DPT-1 researchers hope to stop cell damage before the disease develops. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease autoimmune disease, any of a number of abnormal conditions caused when the body produces antibodies to its own substances. In rheumatoid arthritis, a group of antibody molecules called collectively RF, or rheumatoid factor, is complexed to the individual's own gamma in which destructive T cells T cells A type of white blood cell produced in the thymus gland. T cells are an important part of the immune system. Infants born with an underdeveloped or absent thymus do not have a normal level of T cells in their blood. produced by the body's immune system immune system Cells, cell products, organs, and structures of the body involved in the detection and destruction of foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Immunity is based on the system's ability to launch a defense against such invaders. mistakenly destroy insulin- producing cells in the pancreas. Normally, the immune system also produces protective T cells in adequate amounts to prevent the actions of the destructive T cells. DPT-1 researchers theorize the·o·rize v. the·o·rized, the·o·riz·ing, the·o·riz·es v.intr. To formulate theories or a theory; speculate. v.tr. To propose a theory about. that giving people insulin capsules will activate the protective T cells to stop the destructive T cells from damaging insulin-producing cells. Preliminary studies have shown that it may be possible to prevent Type 1 diabetes with oral insulin or insulin by injection. According to Nadler, the DPT-1 plans to screen 60,000 to 80,000 relatives of people with Type 1 diabetes in order to identify 830 participants for the study. People ages 3 to 45 years who have a close relative with the disease are eligible for testing. People ages 3 to 20 years who have a distant relative with Type 1 diabetes can also be tested. Those at intermediate and high risk for Type 1 diabetes will be eligible to participate. Children under age 3 may be screened but cannot enroll in the study until they reach the minimum age. The DPT-1 is sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases About NIDDK The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. in cooperation with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Center for Research Resources The National Center for Research Resources or NCRR, is a United States government agency. NCRR provides funding to laboratory scientists and researchers for facilities and tools in the goal of curing and treating diseases. , Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International and American Diabetes Association The American Diabetes Association, or the ADA, is an American health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of . Additional promotional support and supplies are provided by Eli Lilly and Co.; Becton, Dickinson and Co.; Boehringer Mannheim Corp.; Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.; Lifescan Inc.; and Medisense Inc. Those interested in receiving a screening kit should call the National Coordinating Center at 800/425-8361 or write to Diabetes Prevention Trial, P.O. Box 016960 (D-110), Miami, Fla. 33101. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of the world's leading research and treatment centers for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. City of Hope has received the American Diabetes Association's Certificate of Excellence in recognition of its efforts in patient education. CONTACT: City of Hope Kevin Koga, 800/888-5323 |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion