Pancreas Cell Transplants for Severe Diabetes on the Horizon

Diabetes has become an epidemic in America, with about one million Americans suffering from Type 1 diabetes. A brand new study has now transformed the mindset regarding diabetes treatment in the United States and supplied diabetes patients with new hope regarding lasting health and wellness.

A Brief Introduction to Type 1 Diabetes

Also known as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that prevents the pancreas from producing the insulin needed to transform sugar into cellular energy. Most people are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, though it is not uncommon for it to appear in adults.

It is believed that this form of diabetes is caused by genetics and exposure to certain viruses, and it can be managed with an insulin shot everyday, frequent blood sugar monitoring, and a healthy lifestyle. Proper management of Type 1 diabetes is very important, since neglecting the condition can lead to a host of major health problems including cardiovascular problems, nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness, and much more.

How Does a Pancreas Cell Transplant Help?

For years researchers have been trying to develop a way to provide diabetics with islet cells, the cells inside of the pancreas that are responsible for making insulin. Until now it has always required a grueling operation, making it a rarely feasible option. This study used islet cells from deceased donors on 48 people, and after one year 88 percent of the participants no longer experienced low blood sugar complications like tremors, sweating, slurred speech, and heart palpitations. The study participants also regained the ability to be aware of when their blood sugar plummeted to low, which is very important for preventing stroke or even death.

Most telling, half of the patients were able to either stop using insulin shots or reduced their dependency on the insulin. This procedure can now be offered to the FDA for routine use, and people with severe Type 1 diabetes have a chance to live a life free from the burdens of low blood sugar.