Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
New research out of Harvard University’s Stem Cell Institute may have cracked the code to curing diabetes. In a break-through study, scientists were able to turn human embryonic stem cells into fully mature insulin-producing beta cells and implant them into living tissue. While currently only in animals, these studies, if successful in humans, could point the way towards a cure for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
A major obstacle to a stem cell related cure is keeping the implanted cells alive. With Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, so the cure relies importantly on preserving the implanted healthy cells. It is difficult to determine if and when this problem will be solved, but there is hope for a solution. In San Diego, a clinical trial has begun using a different stem cell diabetes treatment. If these insulin-producing stem cells can be kept alive, then it is possible the Harvard cells can be kept alive as well. This may not be only obstacle encountered in the search for a stem cell related cure, and success may still be a long way off.
http://seekingalpha.com/article/2725795-curing-diabetes-with-stem-cells
A major obstacle to a stem cell related cure is keeping the implanted cells alive. With Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, so the cure relies importantly on preserving the implanted healthy cells. It is difficult to determine if and when this problem will be solved, but there is hope for a solution. In San Diego, a clinical trial has begun using a different stem cell diabetes treatment. If these insulin-producing stem cells can be kept alive, then it is possible the Harvard cells can be kept alive as well. This may not be only obstacle encountered in the search for a stem cell related cure, and success may still be a long way off.
http://seekingalpha.com/article/2725795-curing-diabetes-with-stem-cells