U of M Researchers Getting Closer To Slowing Diabetes

MINNEAPOLIS - Researchers at the University of Minnesota are recruiting volunteers for a long term study on predicting and preventing the onset of Type 1 diabetes.

The Diabetes TrialNet Study at the U of M has so far tested more than 3,600 people for several different research projects.

One of the lead researchers' pediatric endocrinologists, Dr. Toni Moran, said, “ TrialNet is the study that’s trying to prevent or cure diabetes by changing the immune system so that immune system will stop attacking the pancreas,” said Dr. Moran.

They’re getting closer. One of the studies is using an experimental vaccine in early onset diabetic patients to prevent their bodies from attacking and killing off more of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. The hope is that the vaccine can extend the life of the insulin producing cells to the point that the patient can prevent long term complications of diabetes and have better blood sugar control.

One of the biggest of TrialNet’s studies is the natural history study for immediate family members of Type 1 diabetics. The research collects blood samples from volunteers with the goal of trying to predict if that individual will come down with diabetes. It’s that study that TrialNet is trying to recruit volunteers at this Saturday’s Walk for Diabetes at the Mall of America.

The Walk is sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Jackie Casey is the Minnesota Chapter’s Executive Director and says some of the money raised from the Walk goes to support the TrialNet research.

“TrialNet is one of those ones where just about anybody who is affected by this disease plus their family members can participate and help us learn really important things,” said Casey.

The Walk for Diabetes kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday morning at MOA. Participants can register at www.jdrf.org . This year JDRF is also encouraging people to bring unused diabetes supplies to donate to earthquake victims in Haiti.