I have a 12 year old daughter with Type 1 diabetes. She has been diagnosed just over 3 years now. I have been doing research on niacinamide and how it could help with this problem. Is this really effective in some cases and how do you administer it if the child can’t take pills or capsules? I would appreciate any help with this situation as my daughter’s health is my main priority. Her doctors are absolutely no help in this area. The only words they know how to say is let her eat what she wants and give her extra insulin as needed. I know over a period of time insulin can be damaging to the body and that is why I would like information on alternatives that might help decrease her insulin intake.

Nicotinamide and its application in the prevention of Type 1 diabetes is still restricted to randomized double blind trials such as ENDIT that will release its final data in the year 2003. Till then, we are not allowed to draw any conclusion nor to use the drug with patients. I am not aware how the drug can be given to a given child who can’t take pills or capsules. Last but not least, if any effect will be shown, this will be restricted to prediabetic patients and I do doubt that will be of any effect on established long term patients as your daughter.

Regarding the supposed damaging effect of insulin against the patient’s body, the only thing that can damage your daughter’s body is high blood sugar (due to insulin deficiency): an appropriate insulin program, associated with healthy dietary habits, both aimed to maintain the best metabolic control over time, are the only ways to keep your daughter in good health now and to assure her the best future.

MS

[Editor’s comment: Also see the following previous questions about nicotinamide:

Could you tell me about niacinamide?
I have read about the use of nicotinamide to prolong the honeymoon period.
We are participating into the nicotinamide trial.
WWQ]