Diabetes 'Blocked by Stem Cells'

Researchers in the United States and Brazil have recently begun using stem cells to treat and even cure type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. Patients were given immunosuppressants to keep their body from destroying any more pancreatic cells. They were then given transfusions of stem cells to "restart the immune system." Following this treatment many patients were able to go over a year without an insulin injection.

Researchers are unclear as to how this treatment works but have proposed several possible mechanisms in the article, including the generation of new immune cells that don't destroy pancreatic cells or the growth of new pancreatic cells.

With the recent controversy in the Senate over stem cell research, this article has significant importance since it provides support for widespread application of stem cells in medical treatments and therapies.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6541887.stm