Oral Insulin Study to Investigate Type 1 Prevention

A multinational study is underway to determine if oral insulin may be able to prevent type 1 diabetes in people who are at risk for the disease. The risk of developing type 1 diabetes is 15 times higher in people who have a first or second-degree relative who is type 1.

The study, one of several Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet studies will test the theory that introducing insulin into the digestive track will help turn off the immune system's attack on the pancreas and insulin producing cells.

Recruiting for the study will take place over the next five years, according to a press release from Toronto's Hospital for Sick Kids.

Researchers are looking for participants from around the world. Qualified applicants, from ages 3 to 45, with first and second-degree relatives with type 1 will be eligible for screening to see what their risk is for developing type 1 themselves. People interested in the clnical study should visit the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet website for more information.

• Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet

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