Individuals with Long-Term Type 1 Diabetes Still C

Newswise — Researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston have discovered that a significant portion of people who have had type 1 diabetes for 50 or more years still have the capacity to produce insulin, a finding that has potential implications for improved treatment for all with the disease. In a study presented today at the American Diabetes Association's 68th Scientific Sessions, researchers led by George King, M.D., showed that 17 percent of more than 300 people who have had type 1 diabetes for 50 years or more still had the capacity to produce some insulin. "This was a big surprise to everybody," said King, Joslin's Director of Research and lead investigator of the study. "If people who have had type 1 diabetes for this long have residual insulin production, then those who have had the disease for less time might have an even greater capacity to produce insulin." The majority of individuals with type 1 diabetes have been living with the disease for at least 15 years. But, according to King, it is very rare to live with diabetes for more than 50 years. The study measured levels of c-peptide in patients enrolled in Joslin's 50-year Medalist Study, which is following several hundred patients who have been living with type 1 diabetes for 50 or more years to better understand the factors that contribute to their longevity. C-peptide is a protein fragment released by the pancreas and is used as a marker for insulin. "This finding means that even people with diabetes for 50 to 80 years potentially still have some islet cells in the pancreas that have survived and could still make insulin," King said. "If we can find a way to revive these cells in patients, particularly those with fewer years with diabetes, it could mean new ways to treat the disease," he said. "This finding could possibly allow patients to reduce the doses of insulin they are taking." This talk is one of 87 presentations to be delivered by Joslin scientists at the ADA's Scientific Sessions, Friday, June 6, through Tuesday, June 10 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, CA. The session, "Novel Features of Autoimmune Pathogenesis," is scheduled for Sunday, June 8 from 8:00 "10:00 a.m. PDT. [Abstract Number 173-OR: "Do Antibodies Signal Residual Insulin Production in Patients with 50 of more Years of Type 1 Diabetes?" ]

Other researchers participating in this study include: Hillary A. Keenan, Ph.D., Jennifer Sun, M.D., and Lloyd Paul Aiello, M.D., Ph.D.

About the Medalist Program and StudySince 1970, Joslin Diabetes Center has awarded medals or certificates to people with type 1 diabetes who have been insulin-dependent for at least 25 years. To date, more than 636 people have received certificates recognizing 25 years with diabetes and approximately 2,632 50-year Medals and 23 75-year Medals have been awarded.

With support from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the William and Dee Brehm Family Foundation, the Tom Beatson Foundation and the Lilly Foundation, the 50-year Medalist Study began in April 2005 to identify the physiological, clinical, genetic and other factors shared by the Medalists.

About Joslin Diabetes CenterJoslin Diabetes Center is the world's largest diabetes clinic, diabetes research center and provider of diabetes education. Joslin is dedicated to ensuring people with diabetes live long, healthy lives and offers real hope and progress toward diabetes prevention and a cure for the disease. Founded in 1898 by Elliott P. Joslin, M.D., Joslin is an independent nonprofit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School. For more information about Joslin, call 1-800-JOSLIN-1 or visit http://www.joslin.org.