I am not a good or consistent blogger, but I felt the need to bring this information to the attention of as many people as I could. I have been hearing about the beneficial affects of a prescription drug called Naltdrexone on immunity related diseases for some time now. Usually it is related to multiple sclerosis, but it is increasingly credited with helping people with any kind of immunity disease. As with many unpatentable treatments, it does not get much press or support by the medical community. A video has been made by the son of Herman Wouk, which is excellent in explaining how and why LDN works, and why everyone who has an autoimmune disease should look into it. I plan on trying to get some from my physician based on the success Mr. Wouk has experienced. His name is Joseph Wouk, and you can see his video at: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4440379733824898139. This could be a very important breakthrough for many of us who continue to develop autoimmune complications.
Cleo: Sorry, never heard of it. Is diabetes an autoimmune disease? Lois La Rose
Yes, type 1 is considered an autoimmune disease. LDN is having, for some people, almost miraculous effects because it causes the body to produce more endorphins which are necessary for the immune system. LDN has been effective in many types of diseases, which is why I am so interested in it’s possible application for T1 diabetes. People with T1, often have thyroid problems, problems with gluten (celiac), fibromyalgia, polymyalgia, etc, because these are all autoimmune diseases and if you have one, you are more likely to acquire others. This is why I am interested in LDN, because T1 diabetes is often just the beginning of the disease process. It’s also interesting that Dr. Bernstein mentioned LDN in his book, but he was advocating it to decrease carbohydrate cravings. This drug is very inexpensive and has no known side effects, and hopefully, if enough people ask their doctors for it, we can help it become more available for those who experience dramatic improvement in their symptoms.
Cleo this is very interesting. I am watching the vids you linked to now. Can you do me a favor and please update me if you come across anymore info? My mother and I are both type 1’s too.
I recommend you join the Yahoo LDN group that the video refers to (lowdosenaltrexone@yahoogroups.com) I watch the comments there to get more info on new studies and how it is working for people. It is really exciting to see how effective this is for MS in particular, but it stands to reason that it could help some T1’s too.
Well I watched the video, but I don’t understand how it would be useful to a type 1. In fact, it doesn’t appear to have much real peer-reviewed research behind it. I guess I remain skeptical for now, but I’ll add it to my Google Alerts. 
I agree, the effect of LDN on T1s is unknown, but the success that people with other autoimmune diseases have been having is so stunning (not in all cases but in many), that I want to know much more about it.
Dr. Mercola (Mercola.com) just had a big post on LDN: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/01/06/can-ldn-really-help-multiple-sclerosis-rheumatoid-arthritis-and-other-autoimmune-diseases.aspx
What I’m really interested in, is if LDN can help mitigate long-term T1 complications, and possibly ‘save’ beta cells. Only long term studies would be able to establish this, but the mounting evidence of LDN helping other autoimmune conditions makes this possibility seem more likely.
Hi All
We have set up a database on people using LDN at www.ldn-database.carnebeach.com. I am looking for some help in setting up a database for animals and pets, But I don’t know what questions to ask and I thought you could help me out
Thanks
John+carnebeach.com (the + should be @)
Hi Cleo,
I had never heard of this either and haven’t really been able to find much in the way of applications of LDN in direct connection with diabetes. It just seems to be something that happens to benefit other autoimmune conditions, but not type 1 diabetes.
Hi Manny,
There are many on-going trials of LDN underway, but none for diabetes that I am aware of. However, the fact that LDN has been effective for so many different types of autoimmune diseases, with nothing in common except that they are autoimmune diseases, makes me wonder, why should T1 diabetes be any different? LDN ‘normalizes’ the immune system and halts the inflammation process. On that logic, I am willing to start taking LDN (which has no known serious side effects), on the probability that I might save some of my beta cells. If future trials show it doesn’t help T`1’s, I will have lost nothing. Just my POV.
That isn’t logic, it is merely wishful thinking. I would advise against taking any drug that has not been proven to successfully treat the condition you are taking it for. You are putting yourself at risk for no apparent benefit.
What is the risk?
I agree with Manny. Not enough information on diabetes nad not sure if it will really help the diabetic community. MORE research needed in order for me to even think about jumping on board.
I respect anyone else’s caution on trialing this medication, but keep in mind that naltrexone is approved by the FDA in 50mg doses, and the LDN protocol is to use it in 4.5 mg doses, an almost 90% reduction. This highly dilute ratio is similar to the concept of homeopathic remedies. The most commonly reported side effects are ‘vivid dreaming’, and some people might not find that a drawback. Maybe because I have had several friends with the AIDs virus, I got used to thinking that it’s not always the best thing to wait for the government to approve a new medication. That is why there is so much ‘off-label’ use of drugs, which is perfectly legitimate for doctors to do.
Here’s a recap of LDN’s potential in helping anyone with an autoimmune disease:
"autoimmune diseases are a result of an under-active
immune system by showing low beta-endorphin levels. Endorphins are
what regulate the immune system. When you raise the endorphin level,
disease progression starts to slow and can come to a complete halt in
many. LDN raises endorphin levels.
Essentially, taking LDN `tricks’ the body into producing higher
levels of endorphins – and the increase in endorphins helps our
immune systems function better in numerous ways … beginning with
feeling better, then reducing inflammation, which in turn reduces
cell damage and pain etc.
Researchers isolated the T-cells and found that most of the receptors
on the cells of the immune system – the B-cells, T-cells, thymus
cells and so forth – are endorphin receptors. Over 90% of the
receptors on all immune cells of our bodies are endorphin receptors.
These cells are like an endorphin-coding apparatus. Here’s another
way of saying it: the endorphins are the fuel for the proper
functioning of our immune system. Without endophins, the B-cells
don’t work, the T-cells don’t work and eventually our immune system
starts misbehaving." (from the LDN Yahoo group)
The long-term effects of LDN are presently unknown. In many ways, that is worse than a known risk. I know it can cause problems for sufferers of MS.
I’d be curious to know what problems you’re aware of…
Has this drug been tested on cats? My cat has feline stomatitis and her cyclosporin is very expensive. I’d put her on interferon if I could afford it. I have arthritis and diabetes. I’d love to slow the progression of my arthritis and help my kitty.
I don’t know about cats, but I know that people are using it for dogs…the LDN Yahoo group would be able to direct you if you want to get more info…
Hi Cleo,
Thanks for bringing LDN to the forefront. I developed autoimmunue diabetes from an undiagnosed 26 year Hepatitis C infection which I just cleared. I took LDN for the first time last night and my BG was 80 upon awakening, the lowest it has ever been. This might be a coincidence but LDN’s function is to modulate the immune system so it will stop attacking the islet cells of the pancreas.
I believe that several seemingly different diseases stem from the malfunctioning of the immune system when it turns on itself. I’ll keep you updated on progress.
Cynthia D.