Intensive Beta-cell Rescue at Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
Novo Nordisk Foundation
Oslo University Hospital
We have demonstrated a low-grade, persistent infection with live enteroviruses in the insulin producing beta-cells at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We also detected inflammation, antiviral tissue responses, increased cellular stress and several possible mechanisms that may kill the beta-cells and cause T1D. In a randomized clinical trial we recently demonstrated a beneficial effect of antiviral therapy in preserving residual insulin production. To improve these effects we want address several mechanisms and test a 6 months combination treatment: 1) Intensified insulin treatment by automated insulin pumps to near-normalize blood sugar, 2) Antiviral drugs (pleconaril and ribavirin), 3) Anti-inflammatory drug (etarnecept) to reduce inflammation around the beta-cells, 4) verapamil to reduce cell stress. 24 patients aged 10-18 years will be included in an open, controlled pilot trial for one year and compared with 100 age and gender matched patients using traditional treatment.
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