New Research Directions in Early Type 1 Diabetes: What's Being Studied

One of the most encouraging recent findings comes from a trial of a drug called ustekinumab in adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The study found that after 12 months, the drug-treated group had 49% higher beta-cell function compared to those on standard treatment. Beta cells are the insulin-producing cells that type 1 diabetes attacks.

Ustekinumab works by targeting specific immune cells (called T helper 17 cells) that contribute to the autoimmune destruction of beta cells. The treatment was well tolerated with no increase in serious side effects. However, researchers emphasize that this is a smaller study and the findings need confirmation in larger trials before the approach becomes widely available.

Vanderbilt researchers are currently recruiting patients recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for a study testing whether a medication class called GLP-1 receptor agonists might preserve insulin production. These drugs are already used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The research hypothesis is that if GLP-1 receptor agonists can enhance the pancreas's ability to secrete insulin in early-stage type 1 diabetes, patients might eventually need fewer insulin injections. The study involves four research visits over about 6 to 7 months and is still enrolling participants.

Low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets have generated renewed interest in type 1 diabetes research after showing benefits in type 2 diabetes and epilepsy. A recent review of available evidence found that restricting carbohydrate intake can reduce blood sugar spikes, improve time in target glucose range, and lower HbA1c levels.

However, researchers caution that the current evidence is limited. Most studies are short-term and show significant variation in diet design and patient outcomes. Concerns have also been raised about effects on growth in children and changes in cholesterol levels. Any low-carbohydrate diet for type 1 diabetes should only be undertaken with guidance from specialized healthcare professionals who can address medical, nutritional, and psychological needs.

A significant barrier to improving type 1 diabetes outcomes is that the condition is frequently misdiagnosed in adults. Because type 2 diabetes is far more common, especially in older patients, type 1 diabetes often goes unrecognized, leading to incorrect treatment and management.

This misidentification affects both individual patients and research quality. When studies inadvertently mix people with autoimmune type 1 diabetes with those who have other forms of diabetes, the results can be misleading. Clinical guidance now recommends testing for islet autoantibodies when type 1 diabetes is suspected or when patients progress to insulin therapy quickly after an initial type 2 diagnosis.

Origin: Vanderbilt Health News (News report). Evidence: News report, corroborated with 5 indexed studies. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.