I think the designs of such trials now are feasible. He points out that before prevention trials are undertaken on a widespread basis, questions about what agents to be used and their safety must be resolved. Associated witb Diabetes Dr. Eisenbarth, who is Co-Chairman of the Human Biological Data Interchange, is working with HBDI to screen individuals whose risk for developing certain other diseases seems to be associated with their risk for diabetes. The autoantibodies for Addison's disease precede the development of the disease, as in diabetes, but the condition is treatable. Celiac disease, an intestinal autoimmune illness, is also associated with diabetes .
Wheat is an environmental trigger, which if avoided, can provide symptomatic relief.
Almost 10 percent of individuals with diabetes have antibodies to the main autoantigen of celiac disease. In particular, certain HLA alleles are shared among these diseases - DR3 for celiac disease, Addison's disease and diabetes, and DR4 primarily for diabetes and Addison's disease. He says there are probably other non-HLA genes shared in families which contribute to autoimmunity. Our purpose with this work is to identify individuals with genetic and immunologic risks for disorders and to intervene before a morbid event.