Diabetes is a growing concern worldwide, leading to serious conditions like blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes.
By 2045, it’s estimated that 783 million people will be living with diabetes, marking it as a significant global health challenge.
Currently, diabetes has no cure. Treatments aim to manage symptoms, but those with the condition often face additional health issues over time.
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use insulin, essential for processing sugar from foods, causing high blood sugar levels. There are two primary types of diabetes, each with its own causes.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes, meanwhile, develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, reducing its effectiveness.
Biotech firms are at the forefront of seeking innovative treatments for diabetes, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. This article explores the newest research developments and their potential impact on diabetes care.
Treating Type 1 Diabetes: The Search for a Cure with Cell Therapy
Cell therapy represents a significant hope for curing Type 1 diabetes by replacing insulin-producing cells, potentially restoring normal insulin levels and curing the disease.
Initial attempts to transplant new pancreatic cells faced challenges, including immune system rejection and a shortage of cell donors.
However, there’s promising news. In 2016, the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) announced a patient who received a mini-pancreas transplant no longer needed insulin injections. DRI’s approach simulates a functioning pancreas by monitoring blood sugar and adjusting insulin accordingly.
