This new drug will slow the progression of diabetes before symptoms appear

Bangla Press Desk:   A new discovery is being seen as the biggest milestone in diabetes treatment of the 21st century. The UK's National Health Service has approved a new drug that can delay the onset of symptoms of type 1 diabetes by up to three years.
The drug, called 'teplizumab', is the world's first treatment that works to prevent the disease before it becomes apparent.
Experts have described the approval as the most significant advance in the treatment of type 1 diabetes since the discovery of insulin more than a century ago.
Type 1 diabetes and the role of new drugs
Type 1 diabetes is essentially an autoimmune condition or a complication of the immune system. In this, the body's own immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body cannot produce the insulin needed to control blood sugar levels.
People with this disease have to rely on regular insulin injections or pumps for life to stay healthy.
Although this newly approved treatment cannot completely cure type 1 diabetes, it significantly slows the progression of the disease. This gives the patient a long and valuable time before they have to take lifelong insulin therapy, which is a great ray of hope for affected families.
What exactly is Teplizumab and how does it work?
Teplizumab is a special immunotherapy drug that can modify or change the body's immune system's response to disease.
Unlike conventional treatment, it does not just relieve the symptoms of the disease, but works on the root cause of the disease. The drug prevents the body's immune system from destroying the insulin-producing 'beta cells' of the pancreas.
The drug is designed for children and adults aged 8 years and older who are in the early stage, or 'stage 2', of type 1 diabetes.
At this stage, people usually do not show any external symptoms, but blood tests show that the disease process has begun internally and they are at high risk of developing full-blown type 1 diabetes.
Treatment Method and Efficacy
Teplizumab is given once daily for 14 consecutive days through an intravenous drip. Each session takes at least 30 minutes. The dose of the drug is gradually increased over the first few days to allow the patient's body to adapt to it.
Clinical trials have shown very promising results. In a landmark study, it took about three years longer for people who took teplizumab to develop symptomatic type 1 diabetes than the general population.
This long delay is very meaningful for children and adolescents, as it allows them to live several wonderful years of life without the daily hassles and complications of diabetes management.
Why is this approval so important?
Until now, doctors could only start treatment when type 1 diabetes was fully established. Teplizumab is changing that traditional view. Now there is an opportunity to slow the disease before symptoms appear.
Experts say it will significantly reduce the physical and mental burden of diabetes. Delaying the need for insulin injections means patients will avoid the hassle of frequent blood tests for a long time and will be free from serious health risks.
In addition, affected families will also have more time to adapt to future treatments and lifestyle changes. Diabetologists and patient welfare associations have welcomed the decision, calling it the beginning of a new era in diabetes care.
Challenges ahead
Despite this great success, some practical challenges remain:
Lack of screening: Since there are no external symptoms of ‘stage 2’ diabetes, specialized blood tests are needed to identify those affected. Currently, countries like the UK do not have such a nationwide regular screening or testing program. As a result, many people are unaware that they are at risk.
Creating opportunities: Medical experts are now demanding a nationwide screening program so that the maximum number of people can benefit. Meanwhile, the UK's National Health Service is also working to develop new testing and treatment pathways to ensure equitable access to the drug for all. Source: NDTV

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