Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where, for unknown reasons, the immune system attacks the ‘beta’ cells of the pancreas that make insulin. Without insulin, blood glucose becomes dangerously high.

There are distinct stages in the development of type 1 diabetes:

Image used with permission from Breakthrough T1D

A simple blood test for autoantibodies can identify type 1 diabetes in the earliest stages; many years before irreversible damage occurs. Autoantibody screening for family members is available through Type1Screen. General population screening is not available in Australia at this stage, however the Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot aims to provide the evidence required to make this possible.

Recent research, including Australia’s BANDIT trial, have identified immunotherapies that suppress this immune attack and preserve beta cells, thereby delaying or decreasing the need for insulin injections.

Testing new immunotherapies, alone or in combination with proven ones, is a logical next step towards halting the progression of type 1 diabetes altogether.

Each clinical trial helps us understand who responds to immunotherapy, why they respond and what dose is optimal.

ATIC is working with the type 1 diabetes community to develop safe and effective immunotherapy that can be incorporated into routine clinical care. By addressing the root cause – autoimmunity – immunotherapy promises to decrease the burden of insulin therapy and improve the lives of thousands of Australians living with type 1 diabetes.

The success of the Australian BANDIT trial, gives hope that immunotherapy treatment may soon provide an alternative to insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes.