213. Are They Cured? Inside the Hottest Type 1 Diabetes Trial Right Now with Patients 9 and 10

For decades, people living with Type 1 diabetes have asked the same question: what would life look like if my body made insulin again? In today’s episode, Lauren sits down with Katie Beth Hand (13 years with T1D) and Chris (diagnosed at 10 months old, living 35 years with T1D), two of only ten participants selected for the first cohort of the Eledon clinical trial at the University of Chicago. As Patients 9 and 10, they received an islet cell transplant alongside the investigational therapy Tegoprubart, designed to prevent the immune system from attacking transplanted cells. Now, for the first time in decades, they’re watching their blood sugars rise and come back down on their own, coming off basal insulin, dramatically reducing boluses, and navigating what it means to trust a body that suddenly responds differently. This is not hype or a guaranteed cure, but it may represent one of the most significant shifts in Type 1 diabetes research in over 30 years.WHAT WE COVER:What daily life looked like before the trialHow they found the Eledon trial and what screening week in Chicago involvedWhat actually happens during an islet cell transplantWhy Tegoprubart may change the future of islet transplantationMixed Meal Tolerance Tests, C-peptide, and what their data showsThe transition off basal insulin and how they are “protecting” the new isletsThe emotional side: “Do I still say I have Type 1?”Current Blocks to Scalability and what the Islet Act IsSupport Links:💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.🧑‍🧒‍🧒Our 8-week family group coaching program starts on March 25th. Enroll now to get the early bird discount that ends 2/28Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthWatch the full episode on our Youtube: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf Katie Beth and Chris’s story helped you feel seen, especially if you’ve been doing the work but still feel stuck in fear, burnout, or unpredictable lows, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.