36-year-old mother of two, is making her move to get into a pioneering drug trial. This trial marks an exciting step in developing innovative treatments for type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed with the condition in October of last year, she faces the daily challenges of managing her health while caring for her four-year-old daughter, Frida, and her spouse, Thiago. For the trial, she’s hopeful. She will finally be able to cut back on her dependence on heavy regular insulin injections, which she requires due to her diagnosis.
Wickstrom Giralde’s early upbringing was in Scandinavia. She knows that her Danish roots would have predisposed her to an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. As she puts it, her chronic pain is “exhausting.” Even though she is “needle-phobic” and “intervention-averse,” Sarah has heroically agreed to enroll in the trial. As one of the five patients recently dosed in the study, she was given an injection under her skin. This latest injection is intended to address the autoimmune tendencies of her disease.
The burden of living with type 1 diabetes heavily encroaches on Wickstrom Giralde’s everyday life and her limited moments with her daughters. “I just want to be there for them, I just want to give them all of me,” she explains, shedding light on the emotional burden her condition places on her family life. We are actively committed to helping this new therapy have a long-term impact on the health of those living with type 1 diabetes.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that profoundly affects every aspect of daily life for individuals living with the disease. Grant Brinkworth, a leading field researcher, documents the far-reaching effects of the disease. “Living with type 1 diabetes is a life-changing diagnosis and people with the condition make about 250 extra decisions every day to manage their health,” he notes.
The disease can affect various parts of the body, leading to complications such as nerve damage, which can impair sensation and even restrict activities like driving. Brinkworth stresses just how dire these circumstances can be. He cautions that they can increase the chances of foot infections and even cause amputations. And of course, there’s the greater risk of heart disease and strokes. They can develop problems with their eyesight where they can actually risk losing sight even potentially.
Dr. Aakansha Zala highlights another critical aspect of managing type 1 diabetes: the potential dangers associated with nerve issues. She says that they can develop neuropathy, or damage to the nerves, which can make them less sensitive to different sensations. This reduction almost always has negative effects on their ability to drive safely.
The Drug Trial and Its Potential
This trial represents a novel and very exciting approach to addressing the underlying cause of type 1 diabetes. It slows the immune system, which is what destroys insulin-producing cells. Australian Professor Ranjeny Thomas, who was the principal investigator in this work, underscored the significance of this strategy. “I think this therapy is probably the most direct in trying to really get to the root cause of the autoimmune disease,” he explains.
Thomas is hopeful about the long-term results this treatment can provide. If we can show that this drug is extremely safe, we’ll have tapped into a massive opportunity. Just as we’re hoping, it might be able to specifically calm the immune system. The research team hopes that if the drug proves effective, it could be a game-changer for many living with this challenging condition. If that works, then it’s kind of magic, right there.” Thomas muses.
Wickstrom Giralde’s participation is part of a larger shift in medical research that acknowledges the importance of including patients in developing innovative treatment options. “I am quite literally willing to put my body on the line for that,” she says. Her enthusiasm stems from her dedication to driving scientific advancements to improve health management, for herself and others facing the same challenges.
The Impact on Daily Life
Wickstrom Giralde’s story serves as an example of the harrowing reality that is the everyday life of a person with type 1 diabetes. Pressure for insulin management at all times of the day can complicate regular routines and change home and family life. She illustrates the ways in which these struggles have affected her connection to her kids.
The emotional toll of arching the life of a mother with a chronic condition creates chaos upon chaos in her existence. She hopes that advancements from this trial will not only benefit her but pave the way for future generations who might face similar health challenges.
