I have been following Dr. Faustman’s research for a number of years now and eagerly await when her results are fully completed and published. The use of the BCG vaccine is encouraging indeed, and it is frustrating that she does not receive the regular, ongoing financial commitment from organizations like the JDF to continue her research.
That being said, there are still circumstances where the whole pancreas has suffered injury sufficient that it is not operative. Evidence so far shows mine is one of these as testing indicates the exocrine as well as endocrine functions are lacking. If treatment from the BCG Vaccine once it is available, allows beta cells to regrow and not be further attacked by my immune system that would be great, but the initial assault on my pancreas started with an attack of pancreatitis. I developed type 1 diabetes 10 years later after a serious round with a virus that really threw me for a loop. There was already existing damage to the organ; how much of it was permanently damaged remains unknown but so far it shows no evidence of any sort of activity.
I actually investigated whether I would qualify for one of her trials but was not in the geographic testing area. I think this is definitely one of the bright lights in the future for type 1 diabetes.