Drug Verapamil shown to slow T1D progression in newly diagnosed

A new study has shown drug Verapamil, regularly used to treat blood pressure, can slow type 1 diabetes progression in newly diagnosed children and teens.

As researchers work to cure type 1 diabetes (T1D), the ultimate goal is to prevent the destruction of beta cells that produce insulin. A new JDRF-funded clinical trial reveals a potential path to keeping beta cells alive for longer.

The clinical trial looked at whether adding verapamil, a drug normally used to treat blood pressure, could preserve the function of beta cell function in children and teens newly diagnosed with T1D.

The study found that newly diagnosed individuals on verapamil were making more insulin one year after diagnosis than those on placebo, with the average C-peptide, which is used to measure beta cell function, being 30% higher in the verapamil group compared to the control group.

If you would like to read more about this exciting clinical trial head to JDRF International for a full write up.