Abstract: The invention herein is related to intranasal or other mucosal administration of gliadin, or parts thereof, to prevent the development of type 1 diabetes. This environmental antigen, which may have etiological role in the development of diabetes in genetically predisposed individuals, has been successfully applied in the prevention of disease.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a diabetic condition, wherein a therapeutically effective amount of at least one isoform of sulfatide is administered to a patient, wherein said at least one isoform of sulfatide upon administration to the patient affects the sulfatide metabolism in such a way that it results in an increased amount of sulfatide. Also the use of at least one isoform of sulfatide for the production of a pharmaceutical preparation for treatment of a diabetic condition is disclosed. Said isoform is preferably an isoform with 8-24 carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain, more preferably 12, 14, 16 or 18 carbon atoms, and most preferably 16 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a diabetic condition, wherein a therapeutically effective amount of at least one isoform of sulfatide is administered to a patient, wherein said at least one isoform of sulfatide upon administration to the patient affects the sulfatide metabolism in such a way that it results in an increased amount of sulfatide.

Abstract: The use of glycolipids, in particular galactosylceramide, glucosylceramide and lactosylceramide, and specific catchers therefor (antibodies or lectins), in particular monoclonal antibodies, for use in the prophylaxis or therapy of prediabetes, diabetes and/or associated complications in an individual and for use in the production of pharmaceutical preparations for treatment of said conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: A complex of a water-soluble polymer containing hydrophobic regions and native sulfatide is disclosed. The complex may be used in assaying methods.

Abstract: A complex between a water-soluble polymer containing hydrophobic regions and a glycolipid, immunoassays utilizing the complex as an immune reagent and diagnostic methods to be used in the context of neuropathy and insulin-dependent diabetes. The diagnostic methods employ anti-glycolipid antibody as a marker. The preferred glycolipid is sulfatide.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of prediabetes or diabetes in an individual comprise administering to the individual a therapeutically active agent comprising a glycolipid having a galactose-3-O-sulfate moiety capable of binding to islet cell antibodies. Methods of detecting or quantifying islet cell antibodies in a sample, methods for the detection of Langerhans islet cells, methods for monitoring the development of prediabetes, diabetes or symptoms thereof in an individual and methods for prophylactic treatment against the development of prediabetes or diabetes also involve the use of a glycolipid having a galactose-3-O-sulfate moiety.