Happy New Year! People with Diabetes Mellitus type 1 have been frustrated because it feels like there is no cure in site. While the frustration is understandable, there is quite a bit of active research taking place. Here are a few of the active strategies taking place.
1) Islet Transplantation–with new anti-rejection strategies and antiinflamatory strategies, 50% of people who have had a transplant can expect to be insulin independent at 5 years. This is up by 15 % a few years ago. Scientists do not consider this a cure because patients will require anti rejection drugs for life. This strategy may be presented to the FDA for approval in 2012.
2) Scientist are developing drugs designed to protect the beta cells (insulin producing cells) from the autoimmune destruction that occurs in Diabetes Mellitus type 1. These drugs have improved significantly in 2011 and further improvement is anticipated in 2012. Anti-rejection drugs with their inherent side effects will not be needed.
3) Scientists are working to get stem cells to develop into insulin producing cells. These patients will not need anti-rejection drugs either.
Try to maintain good control of your diabetes and keep yourself as fit as possible while scientists are busy at work trying to find a cure. We look forward to developing this website further and welcome your comments as to how we may better serve you. HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at diabeticsurvivalkit.com.
To listen to an audio from one of the scientists , please click HERE
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