Verapamil and beta cell function in adults with recent-onset type 1 diabetes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pancreatic beta cell loss is central to type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis.
• Therapies to prevent beta cell destruction in T1D are urgently needed.
• Previous research indicated verapamil promotes beta cell survival in mouse models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral verapamil in adults with recent-onset T1D.
• To assess verapamil's impact on endogenous beta cell function and metabolic control.
• To determine if verapamil can reduce insulin requirements and hypoglycemia.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02372253).
• Adults with recent-onset T1D received oral verapamil or placebo for 12 months alongside standard insulin therapy.
• Primary endpoint: change in mixed-meal-stimulated C-peptide area under the curve; secondary endpoints included insulin dose and glycemic control.

Main Results:

• Verapamil was well-tolerated compared to placebo.
• Verapamil significantly improved C-peptide levels at 3 and 12 months, indicating preserved beta cell function.
• Patients on verapamil showed lower insulin needs, fewer hypoglycemic events, and better glycemic control.

Conclusions:

• Oral verapamil is a safe and potentially effective adjunctive therapy for recent-onset T1D.
• Verapamil may help preserve endogenous beta cell function, reduce insulin dependency, and improve safety in T1D management.
• This study supports verapamil as a novel therapeutic approach for type 1 diabetes.