A new case of diabetes is diagnosed every 40 seconds in this country.
So what would happen if one day researchers discovered a cure for diabetes?
A New York study suggests it may be possible, and a Utah girl is living proof.
News Specialist Angela An has more on this story.
There is a new drug now being tested that could reverse the effects of type one diabetes.
The catch-- it only works on patients who are newly diagnosed.
That means the chance to take part in this study is a chance of a lifetime.
It is Day 13.
One more day, and Lydia McAllister will finish her treatment--
a daily dosage of a new experimental drug that could reverse type one diabetes.
Lydia McAllister, 8-year-old Diabetic: "The medicine is doing good things, so I might not have to take insulin anymore."
Dr. Kevan Herold is Lydia's doctor, and an associate professor at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center in New York.
Since May, eight people around the world have participated in Dr. Herold's clinical trial.
The study deals with a medication that works only on patients during what is called "the honeymoon period," the very early stages of diabetes onset.
Dr. Kevan Herold/Assoc. Prof, Naomi Berrie Diabetes Ctr.: "This trial is a one time experience. It targets specifically those cells involved in destruction of insulin producing cells, that are present around the time that an individual presents with diabetes."
Diabetes sets in when the body's beta cells start to deteriorate. Those cells produce the body's natural insulin. But this new drug will essentially save those cells from further destruction."
While the treatment lasts only two weeks, Dr. Herold says the effects could last two years.
But that depends on whether this drug allows beta cells to possibly renew themselves on their own -- a central question in the research.
Dr. Harold: "We don't know the answer to that. In fact, it hasn't even been possible in human studies before to address that question, directly. That's one of the things we're hoping to address."
Based on the success of previous patients, Lydia and her parents are optimistic this miracle drug will reduce her need to take insulin.
Suzanne McAllister/Lydia's mom: "A 21-year-old boy came in at 55 units, and now is down to 5 units, two months out of the study."
Suzanne McAllister says at first, the news of her daughter's diabetes was devastating, but now, there is a light at the end of this dark road.
Suzanne McAllister: "I have so much hope in my heart because of this study, and all the good research going on now. I have a lot of hope."
And it appears there is reason to hope for more.
When Lydia first came to New York, she was relying on 15 units of insulin a day to stay alive.
Now, less than a month later, she is down to just 4 units, an astonishing improvement.
Not quite a cure, but much closer than anyone imagined possible.
Lydia McAllister: "I've been lowering my insulin and I think it's going to work."
For the 13,000 children who are diagnosed each year with type one diabetes, this drug is raising new hope.
Sam Foxroyston/Diabetic: "I feel, actually, really good."
And it is that hope which gives the children courage to fight for their lives.
Suzanne McAllister: "With research, we'll find a cure.."
Because this drug is an immuno-suppressant, those in trial could see some side effects, such as a rash.
But symptoms usually subside within the first few days.
The bottom line for these diabetic families-- this drug takes them one step closer to a cure for diabetes.
This study is funded by both the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the National Institute of Health.
Tomorrow night, we'll look at what JDF is doing to help families with diabetic children, and what doctors are saying about why Utah has such a high rate of juvenile diabetes.
Link To Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
To contact Dr. Kevan Herold:
(212) 304-5492
kh318@columbia.edu
