TrialNet Thanks DECA

Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, an international network of diabetes centers led by the National Institutes of Health, is conducting important research to find a way to prevent type 1 diabetes.   The Diabetes Education and Camping Association, which represents camps worldwide, is collaborating with TrialNet on this important research, and we encourage you get involved.

TrialNet Screening—the First Step in the Pathway to Prevention    

Although the symptoms of type 1 diabetes may seem to come on suddenly, researchers now know that the condition usually develops over a long period of time. TrialNet offers a screening test for relatives of people with type 1 diabetes to look for proteins in the blood called “autoantibodies” that indicate an increased risk for the disease. This test is capable of detecting these autoantibodies up to 10 years before symptoms appear.

If test results show an increased risk, participants will be offered the opportunity for regular monitoring and may be eligible to join research studies testing new ways to delay or prevent the disease.

TrialNet is currently offering two prevention studies for people at increased risk:

1. The Oral Insulin Prevention Study is testing whether a daily oral insulin capsule can prevent or delay the disease. Results of an earlier study suggested that oral insulin may delay type 1 diabetes in people who have higher levels of insulin autoantibodies.
   
2. The AntiCD3 Prevention Study is testing whether a drug called teplizumab (or anti-CD3) can prevent or delay type 1 diabetes in high-risk (antibody positive) relatives of people with the disease. In previous studies, teplizumab helped to preserve remaining insulin secretion in people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes

Screening is available at no charge to those who are:

1. Age 45 and under and have a parent, sibling or child with type 1 diabetes, or
2. Age 20 and under and have a niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, grandparent, half-sibling or cousin with type 1 diabetes.

If you have a child attending camp, check to see if your camp is offering screening. Screening is also available at nearly 200 TrialNet locations across the U.S., or you can request a test kit by mail. To learn more, please see the attached flyer or visit www.DiabetesTrialNet.org.

We hope you will take advantage of this convenient opportunity to screen your entire family and help to advance this important research.