RCT | Verapamil partially preserved pancreatic beta cell function in newly diagnosed pediatric type 1 diabetes

Summary: The study aimed to determine whether verapamil could preserve pancreatic beta cell function in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The randomized clinical trial involved 88 participants who were given either verapamil or placebo once daily for 52 weeks. The study found that C-peptide levels were 30% higher in the verapamil group compared to the placebo group at 52 weeks, and the percentage of participants with a 52-week peak C-peptide level of 0.2 pmol/mL or greater was 95% in the verapamil group compared to 71% in the placebo group. The study also found that verapamil was well tolerated with few adverse events. The results suggest that verapamil may partially preserve stimulated C-peptide secretion in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. However, further studies with patient-relevant outcomes are needed to determine the long-term effectiveness and the optimal length of therapy.

Article: Effect of Verapamil on Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA (free for a limited period)

Editorial: Preserving Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes – JAMA (free for a limited period)

News Release: Verapamil shows beneficial effect on the pancreas in children with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes – University of Minnesota

Commentary on Twitter

In youth with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, verapamil partially preserved stimulated C-peptide secretion at 52 weeks from diagnosis compared with placebo. https://t.co/m4xbczf93C #ATTD2023 pic.twitter.com/teM0jjh1tT

— JAMA (@JAMA_current) February 24, 2023