The New Story of T1D: Autoimmune Science Meets Clinical Action-Beyond Insulin: T1D as an Autoimmune Disease

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The podcast explores type 1 diabetes (T1D) as an autoimmune disease that can develop years before symptoms or insulin dependence. Stage 2 is identified by multiple islet autoantibodies and abnormal glucose tolerance; Stage 3 begins when enough beta cells are lost to cause clinical diabetes.<br /><br />Dr. Mark Anderson explains that screening can identify people at risk, though many clinicians still primarily screen relatives of people with T1D. Teplizumab, a 14-day infusion that alters T-cell activity, can delay progression to Stage 3 by an average of at least two years, but it does not prevent or cure T1D. Possible side effects include cytokine release symptoms and reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus.<br /><br />Zach Newmark, who has several siblings with T1D, was monitored from childhood and received teplizumab after entering Stage 2. He describes a difficult episode of cytokine release syndrome, treated with steroids, but remains free of Stage 3 diabetes three years later. He emphasizes staying informed without letting fear dominate life.<br /><br />The speakers encourage people concerned about their risk to discuss screening with a healthcare professional. TrialNet and the ASK program offer screening options; ongoing monitoring remains important after treatment.

Keywords

type 1 diabetes

autoimmune disease

Stage 2 diabetes

teplizumab

islet autoantibodies

screening programs

TrialNet