BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ --
WHAT: On World Diabetes Day, November 14, leaders in type 1 diabetes
research will present their findings to the media via
teleconference. These scientists represent two international
groups of type 1 diabetes researchers meeting in Miami during the
week of November 14 to share their latest findings and plan future
research.
WHEN: November 14, 2007, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (EST)
Four experts will make 15-minute presentations, followed by a 30-
minute Q&A.
WHY: This media teleconference presents an outstanding opportunity for
you to get an update on exciting type 1 diabetes research and
advances, as you put together stories for your readers during
American Diabetes Month in November.
-- Type 1 diabetes is increasing every year, reaching epidemic
proportions in some countries, with the greatest increase in
children under age 5. In response to this phenomenon, diabetes
researchers across the globe have been working to advance the
study, prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes. As a result,
the way we detect and treat diabetes is dramatically changing. A
simple blood test can now identify the autoantibodies for type 1
diabetes up to 10 years before diagnosis.
-- If diabetes can be delayed, even for a few years, those at risk
may be able to postpone the difficult challenges of controlling
their glucose levels and the development of serious complications.
The serious complications of diabetes include heart disease,
stroke, blindness, kidney damage and lower-limb amputations.
PANEL TOPICS & PRESENTERS:
Advances in the Prevention and Reversal of Type 1 Diabetes
Jay Skyler, MD, MACP, University of Miami
Chairman of Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet and Professor at the internationally renowned University of Miami's Diabetes Metabolic Unit, Dr. Skyler will give an overview of the current advances and planned research efforts toward finding ways to prevent and reverse type 1 diabetes.
Nasal Insulin and Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes
Olli Simell, MD, PhD, University of Turku, Finland
Physician, researcher, and instructor of international stature, Dr. Simmel will provide an overview of a study testing nasal insulin to prevent type 1 diabetes in children in Finland. Finland has the highest incidence of type 1 diabetes in the world.
Adult Stem Cells and Reversal of Type 1 Diabetes
Massimo Trucco, MD, University of Pittsburgh
Hillman Professor of Pediatric Immunology and Division Director of Immunogenetics at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Dr. Trucco will provide an update on the use of adult stem cells in the reversal of type 1 diabetes. He will also talk about the critical immunologic steps that lead to autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes and the use of this information to prevent and possibly cure type 1 diabetes.
Umbilical Cord Infusion to Reduce Type 1 Severity and Reset Immunity
Michael Haller, MD, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
Dr. Haller, an innovative and proficient researcher of diabetes in children, will share how cord blood is being tested to treat type 1 diabetes in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Preliminary results show that it appears to reduce disease severity, possibly re-setting the immune system and slowing the destruction of their insulin-producing cells.
ABOUT THE MEETINGS
The Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Study Group
This group of type 1 diabetes experts will meet November 12-14 to discuss current and planned research around type 1 diabetes. Researchers at more than 150 medical centers in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia have joined this global network dedicated to study the prevention, early detection and treatment of type 1 diabetes. These centers are offering free screenings for relatives of people with type 1 diabetes, as well as clinical trials in prevention, early detection and early onset. Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, and the American Diabetes Association. To learn more about Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, visit http://www.diabetestrialnet.org/
The 9th International Congress of the Immunology of Diabetes Society (IDS) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) Research Symposium
International researchers will meet November 14-18 to discuss the latest science and theories in type 1 diabetes research. IDS is an international collaboration created to advance research in the etiology, pathogenesis, prevention and cure of type 1 diabetes. A key area of focus is clinical trials to alter the type 1 diabetes disease process, eventually leading to prevention of this disease. ADA's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
TO REGISTER FOR THE MEDIA TELECONFERENCE:
Please contact:
Sarah Bakka
sbakka@mmgct.com
301.348.1685
TrialNet
