Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that usually breaks out in children and adolescents. As part of a study, scientists are now investigating whether probiotics in infancy can help prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes. Infants at increased risk can participate in the study.
The SINT1A Study (Supplementation with B. INfantis for Mitigation of Type 1 Diabetes Autoimmunity) is a scientific study for infants at increased risk for type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Since the microorganisms in the intestine have a strong influence on the development of the immune system, the researchers hope to be able to have a regulating effect on the immune system by administering a specific strain of bacteria (Bifidobacterium infantis). Disease-causing immune reactions might be prevented. “The study is ongoing in several European countries. We have already recruited 400 of 1,140 participants,” explains Professor Dr. Peter Achenbach, Deputy Director of the Institute for Diabetes Research at Helmholtz Zentrum München. Children up to the age of six weeks can participate.
“We can determine whether an infant has an increased genetic risk for type 1 diabetes by means of screening following birth. We look at 47 different gene variants, all linked to type 1 diabetes. We offer children who are above a certain limit to take part in the intervention study,” says Achenbach.
In Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Saxony and Thuringia, for example, infants can be examined free of charge at the same time as regular newborn screenings. Babies from all over Germany whose parents or siblings already have type 1 diabetes can also take part in the early detection examination – also up to the age of seven days. Interested parties can find all information on early detection screening within the framework (FREDER1K study) and on the intervention study (SINT1A study) online at: www.gppad.org/de/praevention