Stem cells to cure type 1 diabetes
April 16th 2009 18:17
Type 1 diabetes normally surfaces in young children and young adults as a result of an autoimmume process where the body's own antigens attack the pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin secretion. As a result there are a decreased number of insulin secreting cells, a decreased amount of circulating insulin and high blood glucose levels. In order to treat hyperglycaemia patients must either diet, use hypoglycaemic drugs and or inject insulin to lower the blood glucose levels too normal. This is not as simple as it sounds and in many cases patient's are unable to lower their blood glucose levels and they frequently suffer from hyperglycaemia. Long periods of hyperglycaemia is deadly to the body causing an increased risk in a number of diseases, such as heart disease, eye disease and kidney disease as well as damage to the nerves.
A stem cell transplant has been proposed as a matter of a permanent cure to type 1 diabetes. These stem cells will be able to produce insulin and mean there is no further need for insulin injections or glucose lowering drugs. Recent studies have highlighted the benefits of using the patient's own stem cells as a cure for type 1 diabetes and in a small study several patients were able to go for a few years without needing insulin. In many patients levels of C peptide were also raised. C peptide lets us know that the body is making insulin.
Longer term studies worldwide are needed to fully examine the potential for stem cell transplant as a way to reverse type 1 diabetes and leave Type 1 diabetics not needing insulin.
Full story
A stem cell transplant has been proposed as a matter of a permanent cure to type 1 diabetes. These stem cells will be able to produce insulin and mean there is no further need for insulin injections or glucose lowering drugs. Recent studies have highlighted the benefits of using the patient's own stem cells as a cure for type 1 diabetes and in a small study several patients were able to go for a few years without needing insulin. In many patients levels of C peptide were also raised. C peptide lets us know that the body is making insulin.
Longer term studies worldwide are needed to fully examine the potential for stem cell transplant as a way to reverse type 1 diabetes and leave Type 1 diabetics not needing insulin.
Full story
Reversal of Type 1 diabetes
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