EFFECTS OF RITUXIMAB ON THE PROGRESSION OF TYPE 1 DIABETES IN NEW ONSET SUBJECTS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Subjects are being invited to be in this study because within the past three months they have been diagnosed with type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes is called an autoimmune disease. This means that cells of the immune system are mistakenly attacking the beta cells in the body that produce insulin. As the immune system continues to destroy these cells, the ability to make insulin decreases, and diabetes develops. The goal of this study is to find out whether rituximab can stop the ongoing destruction of beta cells in the body. Even if rituximab works, it will still be necessary to take insulin shots. However, keeping beta cells making insulin longer may make it easier to achieve blood sugar (glucose) levels closer to normal.