Abstract

LICEA PUIG, Manuel Emiliano  and  GONZALEZ CALERO, Teresa Marqarita. Strategies for the prevention of type I diabetes mellitus. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2013, vol.39, n.4, pp. 733-751. ISSN 0864-3466.

Type I diabetes mellitus shows long chronic progressive phase that is now predictable in most of individuals. Recent advances in the understanding of autoimmune etiology of this type of diabetes warrant the implementation of novel methods of immunological interventions. This paper was aimed at reviewing the most relevant aspects on the prevention of type I diabetes mellitus and probable strategies. The intervention measures covered the following immunological methods: deprivation of bovine proteins, plasmapheresis, insulin-based therapy, oral administration of insulin and GAD antigen; use of immunosupressors, immunomodulators and semi-specific immunotherapies. Non-immunological treatments have been used such as use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or antioxidant drugs prior to onset of intolerance to glucose, and the presence of vascular complications. Several trials on possible preventive treatments for type I diabetes mellitus are being performed, but none of them has been so far enough safe and efficient in a convincing way; the rational use of new and potent immunosuppresors or immunomodulators is an attractive procedure to prevent the development and progression of the autoimmune process that characterizes this disease in "high risk" individuals.

Keywords : prevention; type I diabetes mellitus; prediabetes; antibodies; genetics.

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