WPADE.org

Stem cells are being touted as a possible cure for diabetes. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that injections of stem cells taken for a patients own blood may keep type 1 diabetes in check by replacing the defective cells that cause the disease. Based on a Brazilian study, results are promising but further research is needed because the treatment involves destroying the patient’s immune system before receiving the stem cells.
Researchers at the Joslin Clinic think a simple pill may be the cure for type 2 diabetes- a simple aspirin-like class of drugs called salicylates. They have determined what they believe is a ‘master switch’ in the liver that is turned on by weight gain, leading to inflammation and disruption in the insulin process. The switch can be turned off by a salicylate class of drugs that include aspirin. Additional studies are needed before recommendations can be made. Weight loss, healthy eating and exercise are still primary in the management and prevention.
Researchers have attempted to make insulin in a pill form to prevent subjecting paitents to insulin injections, however, because the body is unable to absorb insulin in the small intestines before it is degraded in the stomach, this has not been possible. But now investigators in Taiwan are using a chemical found in shrimp to protect the drug from breaking down in the stomach. A specially treated capsule maybe capable of controlling glucose levels some day. Diabetes is still the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
Annette Karnash