New Hope for Diabetics

I know I'm not alone when I say the thought of taking any kind of daily injection is a terrifying prospect. For insulin dependent diabetics, this is a fact of life. With type II diabetes, losing weight may actually eliminate such need. However, in the case of type I diabetes, the immune system attacks its own insulin producing cells making the situation even more precarious. Pills may help some people but the longer a person relies on them, the more likely that individual will need injections later. Likewise, pumps that deliver insulin without needles also have their disadvantages. In theory, they are painless but if you hit a bone, the pain can be far worse than a needle.

Several new alternatives provide hope for individuals living with insulin dependence. Edible wafers that rest on the inner cheek of the mouth allows insulin to be quickly absorbed by the body via tiny blood vessels known as capillaries. Even more amazing is the fact that insulin is actually absorbed faster than an injection. Unlike pills that must go through the digestive system, the wafers actually go directly to the source. So far the only downside discovered is that it may take a higher dose to ensure enough insulin makes it to where it is needed. Nevertheless, it sure beats being a human pin cushion!

Another great idea being tested is stem cell research. With the capacity to mold themselves into any kind of cell, stem cells really are the fountain of youth. We could treat the condition or we can repair it. Stem cells are thus in a class by themselves. Although more research needs to be conducted, a breakthrough here could actually solve an endless number of ailments.

In Israel, they have also developed a device that can detect the amount of glucose level in the body through a noninvasive sensor that does not require any form of skin penetration. The device uses optical sensors to measure changes in skin color as opposed to traditional finger prick methods. The product is available in Europe but will require a human trial here before it is allowed.

Certainly these are not the only breakthroughs in diabetes research but they are groundbreaking and offer the possibility that maybe someday needless will become a thing of the past. Until then, no need to despair as many researchers have double incentive to find a cure because they themselves are diabetics too.

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