CHICAGO (CBS) – A revolutionary new treatment for type 1 diabetes is delivering promising outcomes for patients in Chicago, potentially eliminating the need for daily insulin injections. This innovative, minimally invasive procedure offers hope to diabetics seeking a better quality of life.
Currently, three patients at the University of Chicago Medicine are participating in this clinical trial. Remarkably, one patient has completely stopped using insulin, while another is successfully reducing his insulin dosage and is optimistic about stopping entirely in the near future.
“This medication has a great potential to be less toxic to the patient and provide significantly better outcomes in islet transplantation,” remarked Dr. Piotr Witkowski, a professor of surgery at UChicago Medicine, highlighting the significance of the treatment.
The medication in question, tegoprubart, has undergone 25 years of modifications aimed at improving results for type 1 diabetic patients who traditionally rely on insulin, like Marlaina Goedel.
For Goedel, who has battled type 1 diabetes for over two decades, the experience has been tumultuous. “I have so much more energy,” she shared. “I feel so free,” reflecting on the newfound possibilities following her treatment.
Living with type 1 diabetes since she was just 5 years old, Goedel describes her journey as chaotic. “I would go to sleep at night and think, ‘This might be my last night. I might not wake up and see my daughter ever again,'” she recalled, capturing the weight of her daily struggles.
Her turning point came when her daughter discovered her on the floor after a severe sugar crash. Feeling desperate, Goedel sought out three doctors regarding islet cell clinical trials but found little direction. Undeterred, she took matters into her own hands.
“I emailed the University of Chicago and essentially just wrote out my entire life story, saying, ‘Please help. I’ve had enough,'” Goedel explained, demonstrating her determination to find a solution.
After reaching out last October, she underwent the groundbreaking procedure on July 17. “I have a really cool scar,” she proudly stated. “I show everybody who will look at it. They just made a very small incision and then injected the islet cells into my liver since my pancreas doesn’t work,” she explained about the procedure.
Just three weeks after the procedure, Goedel was off insulin entirely, expressing her gratitude to her “superhero” trial co-investigator, Dr. Witkowski. “Her life was severely compromised, and she couldn’t live like this anymore,” Witkowski said, reinforcing the impact of the treatment.
Now, three months post-procedure, Goedel is savoring a new lease on life, one that includes indulging in double cheeseburgers. “It’s been great, and I look forward to helping other diabetics regain their hope,” she said, inspired by her own transformation.
Witkowski remains hopeful that they can broaden the pool of patients eligible for this life-changing transplant, aiming to extend the treatment’s blessings to many more. Although Goedel was unable to pursue her dream of establishing a horseboarding facility, she has redirected her passion by enrolling in school for horse massage and laser therapy, proving that new dreams can flourish from unexpected circumstances.
More from CBS News
**Interview with Dr. Piotr Witkowski and Patient Marlaina Goedel on Revolutionary Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes**
**Editor:** Welcome to our special health segment! Today we have an exciting update on a groundbreaking treatment for type 1 diabetes. Joining us are Dr. Piotr Witkowski from the University of Chicago Medicine and one of the trial participants, Marlaina Goedel. Thank you both for being here!
**Dr. Witkowski:** Thank you for having us.
**Marlaina:** It’s great to be here!
**Editor:** Dr. Witkowski, can you start by explaining what this new treatment involves and how it differs from traditional insulin therapy?
**Dr. Witkowski:** Certainly! The treatment involves a medication called tegoprubart, which aims to improve outcomes for patients with type 1 diabetes, particularly those who rely on insulin. Unlike daily injections, this minimally invasive approach targets the underlying mechanisms of the disease, potentially making it less toxic and more effective.
**Editor:** That sounds promising! Marlaina, you’ve been living with type 1 diabetes since childhood. Can you share your experience with this treatment?
**Marlaina:** Absolutely. I’ve had diabetes since I was five, and it’s been a constant struggle. I used to worry every night that I might not wake up, especially after severe sugar crashes. Since starting the trial, I’ve noticed a significant change. I have so much more energy and feel a sense of freedom I haven’t felt in years.
**Editor:** That’s amazing to hear, Marlaina! Dr. Witkowski, what kind of outcomes have you seen from the clinical trial so far?
**Dr. Witkowski:** We have seen incredibly encouraging results. One patient has completely stopped using insulin, while another is successfully reducing their dosage. It’s really a testament to the potential of tegoprubart and the innovative approach we’re taking towards islet transplantation.
**Editor:** Marlaina, how has this treatment changed your daily life and your outlook on the future?
**Marlaina:** It’s changed everything for me. I finally feel hopeful about my future. I can engage more with my daughter and don’t have the constant fear of hypoglycemia hanging over my head. It’s a life-changer.
**Editor:** That’s truly inspiring. Dr. Witkowski, what are the next steps for this research?
**Dr. Witkowski:** We’ll continue monitoring these patients closely and gather more data. If the results remain positive, we hope to expand the trial and eventually bring this treatment to more patients with type 1 diabetes.
**Editor:** Thank you both for sharing your insights today. It’s heartening to see advancements that could dramatically improve the lives of individuals with type 1 diabetes. We look forward to hearing more about the results of your research in the future!
**Marlaina:** Thank you for having us!
**Dr. Witkowski:** Thank you!
**Editor:** That’s all for today’s segment on diabetes innovation. Stay tuned for more health updates!
