The Most Exciting Medical Advances in Diabetes Treatment

Far too many people have heard the disheartening news from their doctor that they have diabetes. More than nine percent of the U.S. population has gone through the ordeal.For the 29 million Americans who suffer from the disease, each day can be a challenge.¹

Thankfully, there are researchers who are working day and night to pioneer new approaches to diabetes treatment. Here are three of the most exciting new developments that are opening up a whole new world of possibilities for diabetics.

Repressing the Autoimmune Response

Medical researchers have not yet pinpointed the specific cause or causes of type 1 diabetes. They do know, however, that most people with the disease suffer from an autoimmune response. Essentially, the body’s immune system turns on itself, attacking otherwise normal cells. In the case of diabetics, the immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Up until now, the only way to treat the disease was to make up for the body’s deficiencies by providing regular insulin injections. However, what if there were a way to block the body’s natural autoimmune response? Doctor Jon Piganelli from the University of Pittsburgh is researching that very question, and preliminary results are promising.²

So far, he has had success with antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties. His research has shown that certain antioxidants suppress the body’s immune response. By inhibiting the ability of immune cells to attack healthy cells, doctors can reduce the damage on beta cells (particularly after a transplant) and, therefore, protect the body’s ability to produce insulin. 

Revitalizing Beta Cells

Since diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) destroys the beta cells in the pancreas, it follows logically that reviving those cells will decrease suffering and improve outcomes. Dr. Fiaschi-Taesch and her research team at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai are investigating ways to do just that. 

So far, they are exploring at least five different approaches:

• Regeneration of existing beta cells
• Regeneration of beta cells using stem cells
• “Reprogramming” beta cells with differentiated cell types
• Replacing beta cells with cells from nonhuman donors
• Replacing beta cells with cells from deceased donors³

Developing an Artificial Pancreas

Some researchers are pursuing another avenue of research: an artificial pancreas for people who suffer from Type 1 diabetes. A medical research team led by Dr. Boris Kovatchev of the University of Virginia has already developed a device that can continuously monitor a patient’s blood glucose level.

Called the Diabetes Assistant Artificial Pancreas, it offers a number of benefits over existing monitors: 

• First, it decreases the rate of hypoglycemia.
• Second, it helps patients stay within a healthy blood sugar range for a longer period of time.
• Third, it improves the ability of patients to control their glucose overnight.

Results have been encouraging, and the team is already planning to expand their study to include more people.⁴

Learn more about Weill Cornell’s dedication to cancer research and education by visiting our Online Medical Resources page.

Sources

1. Center for Disease Control. “2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report.” 
2. American Diabetes Association. 
3. American Diabetes Association. “Regenerating Human Beta Cells.” 
4. Diabetes in Control. “Important Advances in Type 1 Diabetes Research.”