A new study was begun to investigate changes in the structure and function of peripheral nerves in the early stages of diabetes, and to see whether these changes can be prevented, ameliorated or even reversed with appropriate therapy. The baboon was used as an animal model because of their size, rate of development, longevity and the fact that progression of the disease follows a similar course to that found in insulin dependent diabetes in humans. Experiments on the long-term effect of NT-3 were begun.