Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
In a healthy body, the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are responsible for maintaining normal blood glucose levels. In type 1 diabetes, however, these beta cells die as a result of an autoimmune attack, and in type 2 diabetes, beta cells can become overtaxed and begin to die off. A crucial part of a diabetes cure, therefore, will be replacing any lost beta cells with a source of insulin for the body.
Right now, we imitate a diabetes cure by replacing insulin from the outside with injections. Injected insulin must be dosed by an individual and acts regardless of whether or not there is sugar in the body. Beta cells, however, produce insulin in precise amounts, and only in response to glucose.
For a diabetes cure, then, we will need more than injected insulin; we will need beta cells, or a close imitation of them. Many researchers around the world are working on different approaches to allow us to produce steady, sustainable supplies of insulin-producing cells. Some are starting with embryonic stem cell lines, some are starting with gut cells, some are starting with pigs, and Dr. Sarah Ferber is starting with liver cells.
http://asweetlife.org/feature/the-o...tes-cure-turning-liver-cells-into-beta-cells/
Right now, we imitate a diabetes cure by replacing insulin from the outside with injections. Injected insulin must be dosed by an individual and acts regardless of whether or not there is sugar in the body. Beta cells, however, produce insulin in precise amounts, and only in response to glucose.
For a diabetes cure, then, we will need more than injected insulin; we will need beta cells, or a close imitation of them. Many researchers around the world are working on different approaches to allow us to produce steady, sustainable supplies of insulin-producing cells. Some are starting with embryonic stem cell lines, some are starting with gut cells, some are starting with pigs, and Dr. Sarah Ferber is starting with liver cells.
http://asweetlife.org/feature/the-o...tes-cure-turning-liver-cells-into-beta-cells/