06:11 PM PST on Monday, November 21, 2005

By JEAN ENERSEN / KING 5 News

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic, life-threatening disease. There is no cure, but now local doctors are testing a new drug that could stall the progression of the disease, and maybe one day even prevent it altogether.

KING

Elizabeth demonstrates how she does her "pokes."

Eight-year-old Elizabeth has some advice for other kids with type 1 diabetes.

"In a few years it'll be easy and you'll get the hang of it," she said.

But all the usual paraphernalia could become obsolete. The Pacific Northwest Research Institute and five other sites around the country are testing a new drug that seems to put diabetes on hold.

"People, when they first present with type 1 diabetes, enter a period that's been called the honeymoon, which is they need very little insulin and they're able to maintain very good blood sugar control. The problem in general is with time, the honeymoon goes away," said Dr. Kevan Herold, Columbia University.

The trick is to intervene early.

"We have to find them very early in the disease process, in the first six weeks after they're diagnosed," said Dr. William Hagopian, Pacific Northwest Research Institute.

Early enough, that is, before the immune system goes into overdrive.

"We know that the single infusion of the drug seems to have effects that last at least a year, maybe even beyond," he said.

After that first year, a second infusion is given.

"…which suggests we can prolong the honeymoon for a long period of time, perhaps the patent's life," said Dr. Herold.

Although the drug won't help Elizabeth, her mother is optimistic especially since 5-year-old Katarina is also at high risk for developing type 1 diabetes.

"It's so exciting to think that this is the beginning of prevention, a prevention which is my idea of a cure," said Renea Zosel.

Funding for the randomized study is provided by the National Institutes of Health.

Participants need to be between the ages of 15 and 30, and newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

For more information, call toll-free 1-888-324-2140.