The first of its kind global study is investigating if the administration of insulin to babies could prevent them from developing type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Scientists at the University of Oxford are a part of the research team conducting the study.
Alterations in the immune system that influence the development of T1DM can start as young as 9 months old. Scientists are looking at ways to prevent these early immune attacks and thereby prevent T1DM.
Researchers plan to screen newborn babies for the presence of genes linked to a higher risk of developing T1DM. Around 30,000 babies will be screened through the next 3 years, with an estimate of finding at least 300 at high risk for T1DM. These 300 babies are expected to be a part of the global POInT (Primary Oral Insulin Trial) trial involving approximately 1040 babies. The POInT trial aims to determine if spoon feeding small doses of insulin powder to high-risk children could prevent the development of T1DM. The insulin powder will be compared against placebo, with prevention or delay of T1DM as the key outcome.
Speaking about the trial, Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said: " We’re delighted to see this global initiative to prevent Type 1 diabetes getting underway, with the University of Oxford and families in the United Kingdom playing a vital role."
