A new, state-of-the-art immunotherapy has been trialled on sufferers of Type-1 diabetes – and has been proven to be safe. Tested on nearly 30 people in the UK, there were also suggestions that the therapy could slow down the progress of the disease.


Experts hope that the therapy could one day free diabetes sufferers from having to administer daily injections. The landmark trial, which focussed on people who had recently been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, saw the volunteers injected with an immunotherapy that tries to tease the body’s regulatory T cells by exposing them to fragments of proteins, found in beta cells.

The aim of this process is to tap into the body’s natural immune system, and stop it from attacking the beta cells, which would normally release insulin, and keep blood sugar stable.

In a sense, what this successfully positive trial aims for, is for the immune system to be retrained into slowing the progress of the disease and, one day, preventing it altogether.

It’s always fascinating, and inspiring to read about the advances that occur in the treatment, prevention, and cure of any illnesses or diseases – but it is also essential that we keep up-to-date with them too.

At Hygia, we rigorously update our courses to incorporate the very latest in theory, research and practice into our comprehensive healthcare training. Our Essential Diabetes course, for instance, poses the question: Can we prevent diabetes?

We openly discuss these significant issues by looking at the latest, emerging evidence and ongoing projects, and by looking in-depth at the physical and psychological effects of the disease on both sufferer and close friends and family. Essentially, we explore the experience of diabetes – applying entirely up-to-date methods and treatments – in a manner that is accessible for people experienced in dealing with the disease, and those who need to build up their knowledge.

While other people are hard at work, deciphering how to retrain our own bodies to battle and beat disease, we will be rigorously re-training others to handle diseases professionally with care, empathy, and up-to-the-minute information.

This way, collaboratively, we can all make a difference in the lives of the people who need it most.

For healthcare training and re-training in a range of areas, contact us today.