Type 1 diabetes mellitus confers a markedly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This research study is being done to identify a new way to protect people with type 1 diabetes mellitus from cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel disease). People with diabetes have high blood sugar, which harms the blood vessels. Preventing vascular (blood vessel) disease in people with type 1 diabetes is focused on using insulin to keep blood sugar levels low. However, people with diabetes still have a high risk of cardiovascular disease even when using insulin therapy. New means of preventing vascular disease in patients with type 1 diabetes are therefore needed.
In this study, we will be using atazanavir. Atazanavir is an FDA-approved medication used to treat patients with HIV infection, but atazanavir is not approved by the FDA to treat diabetes or cardiovascular disease. This research study is not about HIV, and taking atazanavir will not affect your risk of HIV infection. We are using atazanavir because it causes bilirubin levels in your bloodstream to increase. Bilirubin is a normal product made when red blood cells break down. We are studying bilirubin because increasing bilirubin levels may be a new way to prevent vascular disease in people who have type 1 diabetes.
You may be eligible to participate in this research study if you:
- Are between 18 and 49 years old
- Have had type 1 diabetes for > 20 years
- do NOT have HIV
If you or someone you know may be interested in participating, click here.
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