Experimental Treatments

[Debben]

My daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 15 years old.  The diagnosis was made as a result of blood tests done for a sports physical - she had not yet developed symptoms.  Looking for experimental treatments we found a doctor at the University of Michigan who was using a TB innoculation with newly diagnosed Type 1 patients.  In spite of receiving the treatment, my daughter developed symptoms nine months later and started insulin injections.  She has maintained excellent control over her diabetes for fifteen years and now has four beautiful children.  I was wondering if anyone was familiar with that experimental treatment and any follow-up studies that may have been made.  Thanks for your response.

[JDRF Volunteer SG]

I am glad to hear that your daughter is doing well. No, I have not heard anything about this kind of research in recent years. Most of the research I have been reading about involves attempts to prevent the immune system from attacking islet cells or research into various ways to encourage the body to re-grow its own islet cells. Or both.