DELAYING TYPE 1 DIABETES IN CHILDREN UNDER AGE SEVEN: THE CASE FOR EARLY INTERVENTION WITH BETA‑CELL PRESERVATION

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that often begins in childhood, causing the immune system to attack insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Although there is no cure yet, researchers have made progress in slowing its progression with immunotherapies such as teplizumab. Most studies focus on older children and teenagers, leaving out children younger than seven who could benefit most from early treatment. This paper explores how preserving beta cell function with immunotherapy could delay the onset of T1D, why younger children deserve more attention in future trials, and how expanding this research could change the future of pediatric diabetes care.