Parma, Ohio — Katherine Hegedorn, a marathon runner, developed gestational diabetes during her pregnancy and was identified as being at risk for developing Type 1 diabetes. University Hospitals (UH) offered her a new treatment option: Tzield. In October, Hegedorn became the first patient in Northeast Ohio to receive Tzield, a drug approved by the FDA to delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes and the need for insulin for up to three years.
How Tzield Works
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is crucial for allowing glucose to enter cells for energy production. Tzield works by intervening in this autoimmune process, preventing the immune system from attacking the insulin-producing cells, thus allowing the body to continue producing insulin naturally.
Dr. Betul Hatipoglu, medical director of the UH Diabetes & Metabolic Care Center, emphasized the importance of delaying the onset of Type 1 diabetes, noting that it can significantly reduce the potential for long-term damage to the body. High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can lead to complications such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, circulatory, nervous, and immune systems.
Who is Eligible for Tzield?
Tzield is offered to patients with abnormal glucose levels, particularly those with a close family member with Type 1 diabetes or a personal or family history of autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disorders and celiac disease. While not typically recommended for women with gestational diabetes, Hegedorn was an exception due to her specific risk profile.
Gestational Diabetes and Hegedorn's Journey
Gestational diabetes can lead to complications such as excessive fetal growth, difficult delivery, and increased risk of Type 2 diabetes for the mother later in life. Hegedorn was tested for abnormal glucose levels during her pregnancy because her younger sister has diabetes. This proactive screening allowed her to receive Tzield before she needed insulin.
The Burden of Diabetes in the U.S.
Diabetes affects over 38 million people in the United States, representing 11.6% of the population, according to federal data from 2021. Type 1 diabetes often begins in childhood or adolescence, while Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults over 40. Increased obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and changes in eating habits have contributed to the rise of Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, one in three adults in the U.S. has pre-diabetes, increasing their risk of developing diabetes within the next decade.
Clinical Trials and Future Availability
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital played a role in the clinical trials that demonstrated Tzield's safety and effectiveness in children. Other healthcare systems, including the Cleveland Clinic, are also considering offering Tzield to their patients. The Cleveland Clinic used the treatment for adult patients in Florida earlier this year and will begin offering it to adult and pediatric patients in Cleveland in December.
While Tzield does not cure Type 1 diabetes, it can significantly delay the onset of the disease and the need for insulin, providing a crucial window for potential future treatments and improved management strategies.
