Diabetes gradually destroys the pancreas' ability to make insulin. When greater than 90 percent of the pancreas is compromised, the blood sugar increases, causing increased thirst, more frequent urination and weight loss.
Doctors can identify individuals at increased risk to develop diabetes.
The study is designed to identify relatives at moderate or high risk to develop insulin-dependent diabetes and to enter these individuals in a study that will attempt to prevent or delay the development of diabetes. This study is open to Parents, siblings and offspring 3 to 45 years old Second-degree relatives 3 to 20 years old. All family members who wish to participate will then come to the General Clinical Research Center where blood will be obtained and tested for antibodies against the pancreas. If the blood test is negative, we recommend repeating the antibody test every one to two years based on the age of the individual. If the test is positive, the individual will be invited to participate in Phase II of the study.