A possible new treatment for diabetes sufferers could be on the horizon as scientists point to a promising next step.
World-first research from Melbourne’s Monash University could bring relief to millions after researchers found a successful way to ‘reprogram’ damaged pancreatic cells to produce insulin.
The breakthrough could potentially eliminate the need for daily insulin injections in the future.
Monash University scientists have been able to alter the cells of a type 1 diabetic pancreas donor, ‘reprogramming’ the damaged cells to produce insulin. (Monash University)
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.
Researchers have been able to alter the pancreatic stem cells of a type 1 diabetic donor by using anti-cancer drugs to “activate” dormant cells, which were then able to produce insulin.
Dr Keith Al-Hasani, from Monash’s diabetes department, said that while a potential treatment using this research is still a long way off, it is a step towards helping diabetics better manage the disease.
“To make the insulin in your own body in your own pancreas instead of having to take something like an insulin shot,” he said.
“This is a huge breakthrough because there are more than 500 million people with diabetes.”
He said that with the increasing rate of type 2 diabetes diagnoses worldwide, finding a manageable cure is increasingly urgent.
If successful in human trials, the research could form the basis of a new treatment for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics, eliminating the need for daily insulin injections. (AP)
“This represents an important step on the way to the idea of a long-lasting treatment that could be applicable to all types of diabetes.”
Dr. Ishant Khurana said that if future human trials are successful, it could significantly reduce the burden on people treating the disease.
“The big picture is to prevent people from using insulin on a daily basis,” he said.
Type 1 diabetes patient Simon McRudden said this kind of development would be life-changing.
“I’ve never known anything except diabetes and its management,” he said.
“I inject myself four times a day.
“He gives me a long-acting shot in the morning at 8am and then I have shots with every meal.
“That’s the holy grail, isn’t it? If we get to a point where diabetics don’t have to inject themselves, that would be amazing.”