Diabetes And Stem Cell Research
Understanding the root causes of diabetes has eluded researchers for many years now. The way in which the immune system causes the destruction of precious beta islet cells within the pancreas of diabetics is generally understood to be the key.
Current treatment models are based on management of diabetes using diet, exercise, medication and insulin. However, recent years have seen slow progress towards developing experimental strategies for islet cell replacement. The ultimate goal, which has so far proved elusive, is a cure for diabetes through stem cell research
What is stem cell research for diabetes?
If it were effective, stem cell replacement would simply be a case of swapping insulin-producing cells from a healthy pancreas with those destroyed by diabetes in a diabetic patient. However, numerous complications preclude this as a simple treatment. Pancreas transplants are one form of procedure that has proven effective. However, the demand far outstrips supply and the procedure is expensive. Furthermore, to prevent the immune system from rejecting a new pancreas, the patient must take immuno-suppressant drugs.
Doctors and scientists have tried to cure the disease through injections of pancreatic islet cells. Unfortunately, due to the need to suppress the immune system, only a small proportion of these therapies are effective.
One study, from Edmonton, Canada, has given rise to something called the ‘edmonton protocol,’ a method that is thought to be more effective but is nevertheless hard to duplicate.
Islet cells are not readily available, and must be obtained from cadavers within eight hours of death. Taking immuno-suppressant drugs can also leave patients susceptible to serious diseases and infections.
What could the future bring for stem cell therapies for diabetes?
If researchers are to create stem cell therapy for diabetics, it is essential that they meet several key criteria. For instance, it is essential that stem cells can reproduce and be self-renewing. They must also be able to change to meet the required type of cell, that is, to be able to be manipulated. When it comes to diabetes treatments, it may be that a variety of pancreatic cells, and not just beta cells, need to be manufactured.
Where do stem cells come from?
Stem cells for the treatment of diabetes could come from a variety of sources. These include fetal tissue, adult human cadavers, cells that line the pancreatic ducts and other sources.
Can we grow stem cells to treat diabetics?
There are hopes that in the future we may be able to isolate and grow embryonic stem cells to treat diabetes patients. In theory, this could one day lead to a cure for type 1 diabetes. Stem cells could be grown ready for anyone who needed a transplant procedure. Researchers have been making steady progress towards reaching this goal for some time.
How has legislation affected the progress of stem cell research?
Unfortunately, laws and legislation in many countries has impeded the progress of stem cell research. The procedure is currently banned in many countries, and stifled by legislation in others.
How close are we to a widespread stem cell cure for diabetes?
That all depends on governments and scientists, but recent research has shown major breakthroughs are possible when it comes to treating and curing diabetes with stem cells. Type 1 diabetes is particularly difficult to cure, as the body has attacked and destroyed insulin-producing cells. Before the future can become real, numerous safety issues regarding human stem cells need to be addressed, and a renewable source of human stem cells must be created.
More Information
- www.jdrf.org - juvenile diabetes research foundation paper on cell research and diabetes
- www.childrenwithdiabetes.com - Children With Diabetes
