News & Research
Diabetes Research Milestones
1910-1949 | 1950-1969 | 1970-1979 | 1980-1989 | 1990-Present
1980
Researchers surmount the cross-species barrier in the transplantation of beta cells. Sutherland 1973, 1983; Archer 1980.
A new animal model of type 1 diabetes, the non-obese diabetic (NOD) strain of mouse is described in Japan.
Introduction of the basal-bolus concept essentially simultaneously with insulin pumps enabled "intensive insulin therapy" to be used in the clinic to effectively treat people with type 1 diabetes.
1981-1984
Researchers use the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine to treat those with type 1 diabetes (a significant number of patients are able to reduce or eliminate the amount of insulin used) and prevent type 1 diabetes in those at risk.
Islets are microencapsulated and implanted. Although promising, this technology must still be perfected and does not cure diabetes in humans.
1982
The FDA approves human insulin produced by genetically altered bacteria.
Aldose reductase inhibitor is shown to improve diabetic neuropathy in rats. The compounds in humans have shown little effect.
A 64K autoantibody is discovered and is found to be associated with type 1 diabetes.
An antigen known as HLA-DR is found to potentially trigger rejection of transplanted human islets. Because the antigen is located on the walls of the blood vessels in the implanted cells scientists predict that removing the blood vessels from the implant prior to transplantation should help prevent rejection.
1983
A link between hypoglycemia and brain metabolism is established. Crane 1981; Reichlin 1981.
Second-generation sulfonylureas enter the market allowing patients to take smaller doses and potentially reduce side effects.
1984
Immunotoxins are found to kill cells that may trigger a reaction to transplanted islets.
Insulin molecule is identified to be a target of autoimmune response in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
1985
Islet Cell Antibodies (ICAs) are known to attach themselves to beta cells. Researchers are not yet sure what these ICAs do, but they begin to test the potential of ICA screening to identify people whose beta cells are in the process of being destroyed.
Scientists discover a relationship between pregnancy and the worsening of diabetic retinopathy.
A National Eye Institute study conclusively proves that can be successfully treated with laser photocoagulation.
1986
A series of small studies indicate that tight control of blood glucose can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications. These studies will lead to the development of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT).
The National Diabetes Data Group reports that type 2 diabetes is more common among African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans than among Caucasians. Fifty percent of all Pima Indians in Arizona over the age of 35 have diabetes – the highest rate in the world.
1987
The 64K autoantibody originally discovered in 1982 is found to be predictive of type 1 diabetes. This protein, GAD, or glutamate decarboxylase, is an important enzyme involved in cellular communication in the brain and pancreas. The immune system’s attack on GAD triggers a progressive autoimmune response that leads to diabetes.
Researchers can now calculate type 1 diabetes risk based on heredity.
Aminoguanide is developed. This compound prevents “sticky” glucose from narrowing or blocking blood vessels.
Researchers determine that tight control of glucose levels during pregnancy is important for the health of the baby, and continue to study how diabetes increases the risk for birth defects. Bleicher 1975; Shank 1979; Braunstein 1981; Katyal 1985; Kleigman 1986.
1988
A specific genetic abnormality is discovered in 96% of studied patients with type 1 diabetes. Their results indicate that there is more than a 100-fold risk of developing diabetes with this particular genetic abnormality. Trucco 1986.
Massimo Trucco, MD at the University of Pittsburgh, working with John A. Todd, PhD, uncovered a genetic abnormality leading to type 1 diabetes. Ninety-six percent of the patients in their study with diabetes were not carrying an aspartic acid in codon 57 of their HLA-DQ beta-chain. Their results indicate that there is more than a 100-fold risk of developing diabetes with this particular genetic abnormality. This was a large step in discovering the predisposition to type 1 diabetes.
Studies show that medications known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors not only lower blood pressure but also slow progression of kidney disease. Wilkes 1986.
Clinical trials of metformin performed in the U.S. show beneficial results in treating type 2 diabetes. This drug was available since the 1950’s in Europe.
1989
Researchers develop a glucose-sensing device that offers hope of being implantable.
