January 2019 - Diabetes Research Connection

Diabetes Research News
January 17, 2019

Multiple Daily Injections May Improve Glycemic Control During Pregnancy for Women with T1D

Effectively managing blood sugar can be difficult in normal situations, but it can be even more challenging during pregnancy. Women must be cognizant of not only their own health, but also that of their unborn child. Infants are at risk for neonatal hypoglycemia. A recent study examined the impact of multiple daily injections (MDI) versus using an insulin pump on glycemic control during pregnancy for women with type 1 diabetes.

The study involved 123 women using MDI therapy and 125 women with insulin pumps. The researchers based the study on the treatment the women were already using prior to the trial; they did not assign a treatment method. Participants spanned multiple countries including the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and Italy. Women entered the study during their first trimester, and it lasted until they were at 34 weeks of gestation.

During this time, HbA1c levels were measured. The results showed that both treatment methods were equally effective during the first trimester with no statistically significant differences. However, at 34 weeks gestation, women who used MDI therapy showed a greater decrease in HbA1c levels versus women using insulin pumps. In addition, insulin pump users reported higher levels of gestational hypertension, neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions for longer than 24 hours. However, these women also reported lower levels of hypoglycemia-related anxiety than those using MDI therapy, but also had lower levels of general well-being.

Overall, it appeared that MDI therapy resulted in greater decreases in HbA1c levels and improved glycemic control. There is still more research necessary, however, to verify these results. There were several factors that may have influenced findings and outcomes.

This study shows the importance of understanding the effects of T1D on different conditions such as pregnancy and the value of researching various treatment options to help women make more informed decisions regarding their health. Though not involved in this study, the Diabetes Research Connection follows the latest trends and developments in the field and supports early career scientists by providing critical funding for novel research regarding T1D. Continued funding is essential for advancing research and diabetes care. To learn more, visit http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

Learn More +

Diabetes Research News
January 10, 2019

20 Years Later: The Impact of the Edmonton Protocol

Management and treatment of type 1 diabetes have advanced over the years, but it is interesting to see what has withstood the test of time. For instance, islet cell transplantation (ICT) was first used in humans in 1989. Though the protocol changed a bit in 2000, the concept has remained relatively the same ever since. It is known as the Edmonton Protocol.

Researchers have followed the Edmonton Protocol since 1999, tracking factors such as the number of procedures, adverse events, and insulin independence. Studies have shown that insulin independence rates have been fairly consistent from 1999 through 2015 with around 50% of patients maintaining insulin independence after one year, and 25% maintaining insulin independence after five years. In addition, fewer patients have experienced adverse events over the years, and whole-body immunosuppression has become more localized. However, the number of centers performing ICT and the number of patients receiving this treatment have also declined.

The Protocol continues to rely on the use of cadaver islet cells which are inserted into the body of a patient with T1D. The transplanted cells are protected by immune suppression or some type of encapsulation to reduce the risk of the body attacking and destroying these cells.

One challenge that has persisted over the years is identifying a sustainable source of islet cells aside from cadavers. Researchers have been testing methods for using human stem cells or animal islet cells, but more tests are needed to potentially make these options feasible. Furthermore, the issue remains of protecting cells in the long-term. Currently, the best option is immunosuppression, but even that has limited effectiveness. While there have been advances made in the medications and encapsulation devices used, there is still work that needs to be done to address undesirable side effects such as decreased ability of the body to fight off diseases or infection.

It is interesting to see how the Edmonton Protocol has remained the standard for ICT for 20 years, and the Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) continues to follow progress and changes related to this type of treatment for T1D. T1D continues to affect around 1.25 million Americans, and researchers are always looking for improved options for treating, managing, and potentially curing this disease.

The DRC provides necessary funding to early career scientists to conduct novel research studies related to type 1 diabetes. These projects are aimed at preventing and curing T1D as well as minimizing complications and improving quality of life for those living with this disease. To learn more about current research projects and support these efforts, visit http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

Learn More +

DRC & Research News
January 2, 2019

Where is Diabetes Research Connection headed in 2019?

Since 2015, we have funded 17 innovative, peer-reviewed type 1 diabetes (T1D) projects and distributed $700,000 directly to early-career scientists, building a pipeline of talented T1D researchers. In partnership with our community, the main initiative in 2019 is to raise $300,000 to fund 4-10 of the most promising T1D research projects.

This year, we want to complete our $1M research campaign and accomplish the following goals:

Continue to fund the most promising and innovative science that will advance the continuum of T1D research for a cure and ways to better care for those with the disease.
Be a catalyst in changing the paradigm for how diabetes research is currently funded in the U.S.
Publish new research project findings online and in respected journals to advance the industry.
Ensure transparency by allowing supporters to choose which research they believe to be the most promising and may eliminate this disease.

Since 2015, 100% of funds designated for research went directly to the scientists’ lab. We are committed to continuing this in 2019.

For a summary of the accomplishments in 2018, click here. We will update you throughout 2019 on the progress of our $1M research campaign. We believe it takes a community to connect for a cure and together we make the difference!

Learn More +