Stem cells could lastly supply a treatment for Sort 1 diabetes

There are 537 million people around the world living with diabetes. And that quantity is rising. 

When folks have Sort 1 diabetes, the immune system assaults and destroys the beta cells within the pancreas that make insulin. These cells regulate glucose ranges within the blood which the physique wants for power. Blood sugar will proceed to rise with out insulin, so Sort 1 diabetics should inject insulin for the remainder of their lives. 

However over the previous 20 years, important developments in stem cell analysis and therapies have revealed promising strategies of making new insulin-making cells, that are wanted to treatment Sort 1 diabetes. 

Biotech firm Vertex Pharmaceuticals not too long ago started a medical trial the place it plans to deal with 17 members who’ve Sort 1 diabetes with new insulin-making cells derived from stem cells. The primary affected person within the trial, Brian Shelton, has had optimistic outcomes. After 150 days, Shelton was capable of cut back the quantity of insulin he injects by 92%.

Different world firms are additionally working to treatment diabetes, reminiscent of ViaCyte, CRISPR, and Novo Nordisk, one of many greatest insulin producers on this planet.

Watch the video to listen to how stem cell remedy has modified Shelton’s life and what different diabetes cures are being developed.