Interferon-Alpha for Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

INCLUSION CRITERIA: T1DM of less than 6 weeks duration in patients between 3 and 25 years of age. Besides T1DM, no concurrent illness. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Treatment with immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory medications such as azathioprine, nicotinamide, superoxide dismutase-desferroxamine, aminoguanidine, oral insulin or other experimental therapies at the present time or in the past. Abnormal pre-treatment white blood cell count (WBC) or thrombocytopenia. Known active diseases, e.g. cardiac, renal, hepatic diseases or immunodeficiency. History of cancer, neuropathy seizure disorders (except typical history of febrile seizures in childhood), peripheral vascular disease, coagulation abnormalities, autoimmune disease (except type 1 diabetes) or cerebrovascular disease. Ongoing use of medications known to influence glucose tolerance (e.g. sulfonylureas, metformin, diphenylhydantoin, thiazide or other potassium depleting diuretics, beta-adrenergic blockers, niacin) except insulin. Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, will interfere with the safe completion of the trial. Inability to give informed consent or assent. Participation in a clinical trial within the previous 6 weeks. Lactating or pregnant female individual (individuals will be advised not to volunteer for the protocol if they plan to become pregnant during the time of the study and they are instructed to use an effective method of contraception). Age above 25 years, since there may be several subtypes of T1DM.