A clinical trial explores whether an osteoporosis drug can help preserve insulin-producing cells in early type 1 diabetes.
Researchers are testing whether a medication used for osteoporosis could help people in the early stages of type 1 diabetes by preserving the cells that produce insulin. A clinical trial is underway to determine if this drug, already approved for bone-related conditions, might also protect insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Type 1 diabetes happens when the immune system attacks beta cells, reducing insulin production. Without enough insulin, blood sugar levels become difficult to manage, leading to serious health issues. However, in the early stages, some beta cells still function. Scientists hope this medication can prevent further damage and even improve cell function, giving patients better blood sugar control.
The trial is being conducted at multiple locations, including City of Hope, a research center focused on cancer, diabetes, and other serious diseases. The drug being tested is denosumab, which works by blocking a protein linked to bone loss. Interestingly, researchers discovered that the same protein may also contribute to beta cell destruction. If this drug can interrupt that process, it could slow the progression of type 1 diabetes.
Participants in the study are adults between 18 and 50 who have had type 1 diabetes for fewer than five years and still produce some insulin. Half of the participants will receive the medication, while the others will receive a placebo. They will be monitored over the course of a year to see if the treatment has any effect on beta cell function and blood sugar control.
Denosumab is already known to be effective in preventing bone loss by stopping a process that weakens bones. In the lab, researchers found that it could also stop the destruction of beta cells, which led to the idea of repurposing it for diabetes treatment. If the trial shows positive results, this could open the door for a new way to manage type 1 diabetes by preserving insulin production for a longer period.
This research is supported by organizations dedicated to finding better treatments for type 1 diabetes. Scientists are optimistic that even if the drug does not fully stop the immune attack, it might slow it down enough to improve patients’ quality of life. Slowing beta cell loss could mean fewer complications and an easier time managing blood sugar levels.
The process of studying a drug already approved for another condition can sometimes speed up the path to making it available for a new use. Because denosumab is already widely prescribed for osteoporosis and bone-related diseases, researchers have a strong understanding of its safety profile. This makes it easier to focus on how it could benefit diabetes patients without worrying as much about unknown side effects. However, since type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, researchers still need to closely examine whether this drug will work in the long term without unwanted consequences.
While this study is still in its early phases, the results could be significant. If a widely used osteoporosis medication proves beneficial for type 1 diabetes, it could offer a new approach to treatment without the need for developing an entirely new drug. Researchers will continue to analyze the data over the next year to determine if this therapy has real potential. If successful, this could provide a new option for those with early-stage type 1 diabetes, possibly delaying disease progression and improving long-term health outcomes.
Sources:
Clinical trial investigates osteoporosis medication for type 1 diabetes
City of Hope Opens Trial to Test Bone Medication for Early Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
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