Breakthrough study revolutionises treatment for diabetes
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In a world where medical advancements are making the impossible possible, a recent breakthrough in diabetes research could potentially revolutionise the lives of millions.
This groundbreaking study, conducted by scientists at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia, could potentially eliminate the need for regular insulin injections for those living with type 1 diabetes.
The research, which builds upon previous work by scientists at Monash University, involves the manipulation of existing pancreatic stem cells to stimulate them to produce insulin.
This is a significant development, as people with diabetes either do not naturally produce enough insulin or their bodies do not utilise the hormone effectively.
This often results in the need for multiple daily insulin injections to manage the disease.
The study's lead researcher, Professor Sam El-Osta, explained the potential implications of this discovery.
'What we've discovered is the ability to harness the patient's remaining pancreatic cells to influence those cells to behave like insulin-producing beta cells,' he said.
'This could potentially modify the course of diabetes and potentially eliminate the need for round-the-clock insulin injections in some people living with type 1 diabetes.'
That said, it’s important to note that the research is still in its early stages, with pre-clinical animal trials being the next step.
The research utilises two existing cancer drugs, both of which are already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
This means that the potential treatment could be 'rapid' compared to current treatment options for type 1 diabetes.
'We've been able to repurpose these drugs to determine whether we could influence the trajectory by using these small molecule inhibitors in pancreatic ductal cells,' Professor El-Osta explained.
'We can quickly influence insulin restoration in a number of days in a dish from tissues derived from type 1 diabetes donors, both children and adults.'
Diabetes Australia estimated that around 134,000 people in Australia are living with type 1 diabetes, which is about 10 per cent of all diabetes cases.
The researchers are optimistic that their work could also potentially help people living with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes.
The research has been published in a Nature scientific journal, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.
The Chief Executive of the Australian Diabetes Society and University of Melbourne Associate Professor, Sof Andrikopoulos, described the research as 'remarkable'.
'For the 135,000 Australians with type 1 diabetes, this is the holy grail. This is it,' he said.
'There's a potential here that this research might lead to the cure of type 1 diabetes at some point down the road. It also has the potential to make a significant improvement in type 2 diabetes.'
Dr Andrikopoulos, who was not involved in the study, claimed that the research has the potential to decrease the burden that comes with the disease.
'This research has the potential for the body itself to produce and secrete insulin. So you can see that you're getting rid of needles, you're getting rid of insulin pumps, you're getting rid of finger pricking, you're getting rid of continuous glucose monitors,' he explained.
However, he warned that steps towards a cure would require consistent funding for diabetes research.
What are your thoughts on this breakthrough, members? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
This groundbreaking study, conducted by scientists at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia, could potentially eliminate the need for regular insulin injections for those living with type 1 diabetes.
The research, which builds upon previous work by scientists at Monash University, involves the manipulation of existing pancreatic stem cells to stimulate them to produce insulin.
This is a significant development, as people with diabetes either do not naturally produce enough insulin or their bodies do not utilise the hormone effectively.
A groundbreaking study may potentially reduce the need for regular insulin shots for those with diabetes. Image source: stefamerpik on Freepik.
This often results in the need for multiple daily insulin injections to manage the disease.
The study's lead researcher, Professor Sam El-Osta, explained the potential implications of this discovery.
'What we've discovered is the ability to harness the patient's remaining pancreatic cells to influence those cells to behave like insulin-producing beta cells,' he said.
'This could potentially modify the course of diabetes and potentially eliminate the need for round-the-clock insulin injections in some people living with type 1 diabetes.'
That said, it’s important to note that the research is still in its early stages, with pre-clinical animal trials being the next step.
The research utilises two existing cancer drugs, both of which are already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
This means that the potential treatment could be 'rapid' compared to current treatment options for type 1 diabetes.
'We've been able to repurpose these drugs to determine whether we could influence the trajectory by using these small molecule inhibitors in pancreatic ductal cells,' Professor El-Osta explained.
'We can quickly influence insulin restoration in a number of days in a dish from tissues derived from type 1 diabetes donors, both children and adults.'
Diabetes Australia estimated that around 134,000 people in Australia are living with type 1 diabetes, which is about 10 per cent of all diabetes cases.
The researchers are optimistic that their work could also potentially help people living with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes.
The research has been published in a Nature scientific journal, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.
The Chief Executive of the Australian Diabetes Society and University of Melbourne Associate Professor, Sof Andrikopoulos, described the research as 'remarkable'.
'For the 135,000 Australians with type 1 diabetes, this is the holy grail. This is it,' he said.
'There's a potential here that this research might lead to the cure of type 1 diabetes at some point down the road. It also has the potential to make a significant improvement in type 2 diabetes.'
Dr Andrikopoulos, who was not involved in the study, claimed that the research has the potential to decrease the burden that comes with the disease.
'This research has the potential for the body itself to produce and secrete insulin. So you can see that you're getting rid of needles, you're getting rid of insulin pumps, you're getting rid of finger pricking, you're getting rid of continuous glucose monitors,' he explained.
However, he warned that steps towards a cure would require consistent funding for diabetes research.
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