A randomized trial of a somatostatin analog for preserving beta cell function in children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

In an attempt to rest the beta cells of newly diagnosed children with type I diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and thus possibly preserve beta cell function, ten children were given Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, for the first 21 days after diagnosis. Ten age-matched diabetic children served as controls. Although there were no differences in either insulin requirements or in hemoglobin A1 levels, there were significant increases in the glucagon-stimulated C-peptide levels of the experimental group at six and 12 months after diagnosis, compared to control patients.