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Importance of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Screening and the Role of TZIELD in Delaying Progression

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IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This progressive condition can lead to significant health complications if not detected and managed early. Early screening for T1D is a critical step in preventing severe complications and ensuring a proactive approach to care.

Why Screen Early?

Screening for T1D before symptoms appear has several benefits:

  • Prevention of Complications: Detecting T1D in its early stages significantly reduces the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition caused by dangerously high blood glucose. 
  • Educational Opportunities: Gain time to learn about managing blood glucose levels, building healthy lifestyle habits, and preparing for future care needs.
  • Access to Treatment: Early identification provides the chance to access cutting-edge therapies, such as TZIELD, which has been shown to delay disease progression.

Confirmatory Laboratory Testing Matters

While at-home testing may offer initial insights, confirmatory laboratory testing is essential for accuracy and reliability. Laboratory testing provides:

  • Precise Results: It minimizes false positives and ensures accurate diagnoses.
  • Risk Assessment: Lab tests detect specific autoantibodies linked to T1D, offering a comprehensive understanding of disease risk.
  • Therapeutic Access: Accurate lab results determine eligibility for therapies like TZIELD, which can delay the onset of Stage 3 T1D.

Screening empowers those at risk with the knowledge and tools to improve long-term health outcomes while minimizing the risks of late-stage complications.

STAGES OF TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes develops gradually, progressing through specific stages as the immune system increasingly targets insulin-producing cells. Understanding these stages helps clarify why early screening and monitoring are essential.

  1. Stage 1: Early Immune Activation
    • Characteristics: Two or more T1D autoantibodies are present, but blood glucose levels remain at the non-diabetic range, and there are no symptoms.
    • Risk Level: Low. However, regular rescreening is recommended, particularly for individuals with a family history of T1D.
    • Management: No insulin therapy is needed at this stage.
  2. Stage 2: Progression Without Symptoms
    • Characteristics: Blood glucose levels begin to rise, but there are still no noticeable symptoms.
    • Risk Level: Elevated. Beta cells continue to be attacked, increasing the risk of progression.
    • Management: Regular monitoring and further screening are vital. Consideration for TZIELD.
  3. Stage 3: Clinical Diagnosis
    • Characteristics: Blood glucose levels stay elevated, symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue appear, and insulin therapy becomes necessary.
    • Complications: Risk of DKA and other serious health concerns if unmanaged.
    • Management: Insulin therapy and disease management are critical. 

The progression through these stages can take months or even years, making early detection and consistent monitoring crucial for improved outcomes.

OVERVIEW OF TZIELD

What Is TZIELD?

TZIELD is the first FDA-approved therapy designed to delay Stage 3 T1D in individuals with Stage 2 disease. It is suitable for individuals aged 8 and older who have two or more T1D-related autoantibodies and above-target blood glucose levels but have not yet developed symptoms of clinical diabetes.

How Does It Work?

T1D occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks beta cells in the pancreas, reducing the body’s ability to produce insulin. TZIELD works by targeting and modifying the immune cells responsible for this attack. By preserving beta cell function, TZIELD delays the need for insulin therapy, giving individuals more time before reaching the advanced stages of T1D.

Treatment Process:

  • Administration: TZIELD is delivered via daily intravenous (IV) infusions over 14 consecutive days. Each infusion session lasts about 30 minutes, with additional time needed for preparation and monitoring.
  • Pre-Treatment: Medications may be given during the first five days to reduce potential side effects.
  • Missed Doses: If an infusion is missed, treatment resumes the following day without doubling the dose.

Things to Tell Your Doctor:

Before starting TZIELD, discuss any of the following with your healthcare provider:

  • Current or recent infections.
  • Vaccination history or plans to receive vaccines.
  • Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • Use of any medications, including supplements or over-the-counter products.

Potential Side Effects of TZIELD

Like any medication, TZIELD has potential side effects. These include:

  • Common Side Effects:
    • Rash (36%), headache (11%), and low white blood cell counts (21%).
  • Serious Side Effects:
    • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): A rare reaction (2%) that may cause symptoms like fever, fatigue, nausea, and muscle pain during the first five days of treatment.
    • Lymphopenia: A reduction in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which may lower the body’s ability to fight infections. Lymphocyte levels typically return to normal after treatment but may remain low in some cases.

TZIELD COMPASS: Patient Support Program

To support individuals undergoing treatment, the TZIELD COMPASS program offers resources such as:

  1. Personalized Assistance: Dedicated navigators help explain the treatment process, insurance benefits, and cost considerations.
  2. Copay Support: Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 for treatment.
  3. Guidance: Assistance with finding infusion locations and post-treatment check-ins.

Screening for T1D and early interventions like TZIELD can transform how this chronic condition is managed. By detecting the disease early and slowing its progression, individuals and families gain valuable time and resources to adapt to the challenges of T1D, improving quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

Learn more about the TZIELD COMPASS Support Program: https://www.tzield.com/tzield-compass-support-program

Resources:

FDA

Screen for Type 1

ASK Screening for Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac | Barbara Davis Center

TRIALNET | Pathway to Prevention

Enable Biosciences / Transforming Early T1D Detection | Type 1 Strong

Genetics of Diabetes | American Diabetes Association

Breakthrough T1D Early Detection

Detect T1D

Detect Type 1 Diabetes Before Symptoms Start  | T1D Exchange

Sanford Research

Cascade Kids Research Study

Diabetes Care Journal

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