Narendran P, Tomlinson C, Beese S, et al. - At diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, significant levels of beta cells remain. Improvement in glucose control and protection from long-term complications could be attained via preserving these cells. In this work, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to preserve beta cell function in people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed.

• This is the largest comprehensive review of RCTs in this area.

• Researchers identified 28 studies with 1,662 participants and grouped them into six subgroups (alternative insulins, subcutaneous and intravenous insulin delivery, intensive therapy, glucose sensing, adjuncts) by intervention.

• An improvement in glucose control as well as beta cell function was demonstrated in only three studies.

• Intensive insulin therapy and use of an alternative insulin were the included interventions.

• There was lack of robust evidence suggesting that in new onset type 1 diabetes, interventions to improve glucose control preserve beta cell function.