**Something Interesting On The News.......

[KickStart101]

.......For Type 1's If Not Already Mentioned. :D


Canadian scientists reverse diabetes in mice (http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2006/12/14/diabetes-neuron.html)

[Phranky]

Wow - this is very interesting.

This article from the Globe and Mail - Toronto

-----------------------

Canadian researchers make diabetes discovery
Canadian Press

Toronto — Canadian researchers have found that abnormalities in pain-related nerve endings in the pancreatic cells that produce insulin appear to play a role in the development of Type 1 diabetes.

The scientists say the discovery could not only lead to new treatments for the disease, but point the way to preventing it completely.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that affects about 200,000 Canadians, and research has focused on the immune system as the sole trigger of the disease.

But in studies of mice that are prone to diabetes, researchers at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Calgary found an unsuspected control circuit between insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and their associated sensory, or pain, nerves.

Dr. Dosch says his lab is planning to begin studies in people with a family history of diabetes to see if they have abnormal pain sensitivity that might contribute to the development of diabetes.

The study will be published in this week's edition of the journal Cell.

[Diabetic-Canada]

Another article on the same discovery from the National Post... I found it quite interesting, and I hope it works out..although it seems quite random how they discovered it and how it works...


Diabetes breakthrough
Toronto scientists cure disease in mice

Tom Blackwell
National Post


Friday, December 15, 2006


In a discovery that has stunned even those behind it, scientists at a Toronto hospital say they have proof the body's nervous system helps trigger diabetes, opening the door to a potential near-cure of the disease that affects millions of Canadians.

Diabetic mice became healthy virtually overnight after researchers injected a substance to counteract the effect of malfunctioning pain neurons in the pancreas.

"I couldn't believe it," said Dr. Michael Salter, a pain expert at the Hospital for Sick Children and one of the scientists. "Mice with diabetes suddenly didn't have diabetes any more."

The researchers caution they have yet to confirm their findings in people, but say they expect results from human studies within a year or so. Any treatment that may emerge to help at least some patients would likely be years away from hitting the market.

But the excitement of the team from Sick Kids, whose work is being published today in the journal Cell, is almost palpable.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Dr. Hans Michael Dosch, an immunologist at the hospital and a leader of the studies. "In my career, this is unique."

Their conclusions upset conventional wisdom that Type 1 diabetes, the most serious form of the illness that typically first appears in childhood, was solely caused by auto-immune responses -- the body's immune system turning on itself.

They also conclude that there are far more similarities than previously thought between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and that nerves likely play a role in other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as asthma and Crohn's disease.

The "paradigm-changing" study opens "a novel, exciting door to address one of the diseases with large societal impact," said Dr. Christian Stohler, a leading U.S. pain specialist and dean of dentistry at the University of Maryland, who has reviewed the work.

"The treatment and diagnosis of neuropathic diseases is poised to take a dramatic leap forward because of the impressive research."

About two million Canadians suffer from diabetes, 10% of them with Type 1, contributing to 41,000 deaths a year.

Insulin replacement therapy is the only treatment of Type 1, and cannot prevent many of the side effects, from heart attacks to kidney failure.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to shift glucose into the cells that need it. In Type 2 diabetes, the insulin that is produced is not used effectively -- something called insulin resistance -- also resulting in poor absorption of glucose.

The problems stem partly from inflammation -- and eventual death -- of insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas.

Dr. Dosch had concluded in a 1999 paper that there were surprising similarities between diabetes and multiple sclerosis, a central nervous system disease. His interest was also piqued by the presence around the insulin-producing islets of an "enormous" number of nerves, pain neurons primarily used to signal the brain that tissue has been damaged.

Suspecting a link between the nerves and diabetes, he and Dr. Salter used an old experimental trick -- injecting capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot chili peppers, to kill the pancreatic sensory nerves in mice that had an equivalent of Type 1 diabetes.

"Then we had the biggest shock of our lives," Dr. Dosch said. Almost immediately, the islets began producing insulin normally "It was a shock ? really out of left field, because nothing in the literature was saying anything about this."

It turns out the nerves secrete neuropeptides that are instrumental in the proper functioning of the islets. Further study by the team, which also involved the University of Calgary and the Jackson Laboratory in Maine, found that the nerves in diabetic mice were releasing too little of the neuropeptides, resulting in a "vicious cycle" of stress on the islets.

So next they injected the neuropeptide "substance P" in the pancreases of diabetic mice, a demanding task given the tiny size of the rodent organs. The results were dramatic.

The islet inflammation cleared up and the diabetes was gone. Some have remained in that state for as long as four months, with just one injection.

They also discovered that their treatments curbed the insulin resistance that is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes, and that insulin resistance is a major factor in Type 1 diabetes, suggesting the two illnesses are quite similar.

While pain scientists have been receptive to the research, immunologists have voiced skepticism at the idea of the nervous system playing such a major role in the disease. Editors of Cell put the Toronto researchers through vigorous review to prove the validity of their conclusions, though an editorial in the publication gives a positive review of the work.

"It will no doubt cause a great deal of consternation," said Dr. Salter about his paper.

The researchers are now setting out to confirm that the connection between sensory nerves and diabetes holds true in humans. If it does, they will see if their treatments have the same effects on people as they did on mice.

Nothing is for sure, but "there is a great deal of promise," Dr. Salter said.


© National Post 2006

[KickStart101]

Hey D-C:

Well, as you know many good discoveries were found
by accident. What difference? As long as they were
discovered. They are beginning with it next month(Jan/07)
and the Human Trials will be in 2 yrs., maybe less.

I noticed Phranky and I hit the same topic. WTG Phranky.
This one can be deleted. Sorry, I didn't have time earlier
to read up since I had to get the roast, etc. ready, so I just
popped in to post it.

[jzblondie]

I swear to God my friend who works in a hospital just texted me this news, and I am floored. I don't even know what to do now, besides run around my office and tell everybody I can think of. Read the article and cross your fingers!!!

~Julianne

Diabetes breakthrough
Toronto scientists cure disease in mice

Published: Friday, December 15, 2006

In a discovery that has stunned even those behind it, scientists at a Toronto hospital say they have proof the body's nervous system helps trigger diabetes, opening the door to a potential near-cure of the disease that affects millions of Canadians....


Diabetes breakthrough (http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=a042812e-492c-4f07-8245-8a598ab5d1bf&k=63970)

[RemJet]

I just heard the great news too!

sounds incredible! can't wait to see what further research brings:thumbsup:

[duck]

You dang Canadians think you are sooooo bad now that you are making all these discoveries about diabetes, eh? Boy, I bet if we let this go unchecked, the next thing will be that you people will claim to have discovered insulin...







:smartass:


Keep the big discoveries coming! :rock:

[KickStart101]

I was listening to the news and I probably heard this wrong
but I thought they just said that Human "treatment" could be
available in 2 yrs. I don't know how they coul everything
accomplished by then.

You dang Canadians think you are sooooo bad now that you are making all these discoveries about diabetes, eh? Boy, I bet if we let this go unchecked, the next thing will be that you people will claim to have discovered insulin...
:smartass:
Keep the big discoveries coming! :rock:


Oh don't worry Duck. We'd Never make such false claims. ;)
I just hope that this is "The One".


*will do Boss. :top: :)

[Nada]

Wow! Cool stuff. :)

[Dan Gato]

Good news.
I hope they persue the research & then develop it.
Here in the USA it'll take years for the FDA to give the final approval.
Thanks for sharing the news

[singer]

If I understand correctly, it will only help newly diagnosed patients, not those of us whose islet cell production is already destroyed.:rolleyes:

Sing

[duck]

If I understand correctly, it will only help newly diagnosed patients, not those of us whose islet cell production is already destroyed.:rolleyes:

Sing

That which helps one helps us all.

[RemJet]

well considering its a known fact that islet cell production continues throughout an entire lifetime of diabetes (its just supressed by the immune system (or possible nervous system)), I beleive that this could be a possible cure to end-stage diabetes.

[KickStart101]

If I understand correctly, it will only help newly diagnosed patients, not those of us whose islet cell production is already destroyed.:rolleyes:
Sing


Is that a fact? Where did you see/hear that? Sorry, I missed
that one. It is normal to leave important info out sometimes
when news/breakthroughs first get announced. That's too bad
if it's true.

On the other hand, that would still get this disease out of so
many Kids/Teens and more mature Peoples lives. That would
mean my Kids and theirs, the rest of my Family and Friend's
Families and yours wouldn't have to worry about living with
or dying (not a nice way to go usually)because of Diabetes,
if they were dxd.

I can vaguely remember not being a Diabetic but since I've had
it so long I honestly don't know if my mind would accept not being
a Diabetic. That kind of scares me when I think about it. It would
sure take some retraining not to go somewhere and wonder what my
sugar level is, etc., etc.

Anyways, on the same line as Duck, as long as it helps some
People that would be Great, especially the Kids. Then from one
discovery grows another. I do hope this new finding is worthy. :)

[August]

Good news.
I hope they persue the research & then develop it.
Here in the USA it'll take years for the FDA to give the final approval.
Thanks for sharing the news

If it works well and threatens the financial interests of the Pharma Mafia, they will cartainly drag their feet on the approval. Or ban it altogether.

Does this only work on 'Canadian' mice, or are American and EU mice able to utilize it. Hamsters? Gerbles?

Be happy,
-August

[dgrilli]

This is great news. I first heard about this in the: insulin-pumpers-digest Friday, December 15 2006 Volume 10 : Number 220

I immediately came to post the entire article and August beat me to it.

This great news. Just think the active ingredient in Chilli Peppers of all things capsicum the active ingredient in Cap Stun ( A Mace Alternative Used by Law Enforcement)

Apparently they found more similarities between Type 1 and Type 2 than most would care to acknowledge.

This means the Science behind Insulow (R-ALA) + (biotin) isn't so crazy. Since this stuff was supposed to help repair nerves in addition to other things.

the nerves in the pancreas huh? wow who would have thought that. Little bit of Chilli Pepper to the nerves of the Pancreas and walaw the pancreas workk normally.

Whats wrong with giving it to us now?

Why wait 10 years and the Big Pharma to fight them? Big Pharma should be very afraid the cat is out of the bag.

Should I sell before the word gets out? I'm not an insider Just an outsider looking in. ( Martha Stewart eat your Heart out ha ha:beerglass

[KickStart101]

Why wait 10 years and the Big Pharma to fight them? Big Pharma should be very afraid the cat is out of the bag.


Hmmm, you have a point there. I sure hope that this one doesn't
quietly disappear into the Great Blue Yonder, like the many other
"cures" we've heard of through the years.

[DeusXM]

As ever, I'm cautiously optimistic. What works in mice generally doesn't work in people but it's a step in the right direction and I just hope it doesn't divert interest away from other methods in case this one doesn't work out.

In respect of the rebuilding of islet cells, there's a new medication called Exendin-4 which stimulates the growth of islet cells which has proved very promising once the mechanism that destroys those cells is blocked.

[Rob43]

Toronto, Canada (AHN) - Scientists may be one step closer to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

New research at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Kids, being published in the journal Cell on Friday, reveals that diabetes may in fact be a disease of the nervous system, not the auto immune system as previously thought.

During the course of their research at the hospital, doctors injected diabetic mice with capsaicin (the active ingredient in hot chili peppers), and a neuropeptide substance, which seemed to reverse the disease.

According to Dr. Michael Salter, a pain expert and one of the lead researchers, "Mice with diabetes suddenly didn't have diabetes any more."

Although the researchers have to still confirm their findings in people, the doctors are optimistic the same connection between nerve endings and pancreatic performance exists in humans.

The doctor's discovery, while still in the nascent stages, could eventually provide a cure for the millions of people who suffer from diabetes, including the 41,000 Canadian deaths caused by Type 1 diabetes a year.

All Headline News - Canadian Scientists Close In On Diabetes Cure - December 17, 2006 (http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005868964)

[KickStart101]

Hi Rob: Ya we heard, thanks. I'm Happy to see ya. I was
wondering what happened to you. I hope that you are doing
Good. :wavey:

[August]

Toronto, Canada (AHN) - Scientists may be one step closer to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

New research at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Kids, being published in the journal Cell on Friday, reveals that diabetes may in fact be a disease of the nervous system, not the auto immune system as previously thought.


This is very good news. Let's hope is not just another one of those "Canadian Penny Stock Scams".

The important question is: Who funded the research??

[Jackets]

This announcement feels different from the others; I hope I'm not getting too excited about this...

But it wouldn't surprise me if a cure came from Canada afterall.

[KickStart101]

This is very good news. Let's hope is not just another one of those "Canadian Penny Stock Scams".

Ouchie! Low blow. Just like the snake oil cures, eh? Wonder
where they learned that from.....



The important question is: Who funded the research??


Most of the money donated comes from the Canadians. We
are a small population but we are also spunky and Very generous.

[Cjohnson202]

having just been diagnosed last month, i am pretty excited about this. Am I the only who felt like going to toronto (not that I don't live there already) and offer my services as a test patient right away? I mean inject me with this thing, and see if it works. Sure there could be dangerous side effects...but human testing two years from now seems too far away...

[xMenace]

having just been diagnosed last month, i am pretty excited about this. Am I the only who felt like going to toronto (not that I don't live there already) and offer my services as a test patient right away? I mean inject me with this thing, and see if it works. Sure there could be dangerous side effects...but human testing two years from now seems too far away...

Pfft! If I had a quarter every time I felt that way ... :itsme:

[JasonJayhawk]

Like August said, I'm sure the investors are watching this carefully. A cure would mean a loss of hundreds, if not, thousands of jobs, in the diabetes care industry for Type 1 diabetes.

I thought it was interesting that one of the articles said that it may help Type 2 diabetes, as well. I suspect this was added to help receive more funding, since Type 2 is where the money is at.

Deus also said he's being cautiously optimistic. I thought I'd see a lot more people saying the same. I guess it's been a while since we've seen any "new great news," and with it being a holiday season, it's hard to show skepticism.

There are several kinds of Type 1 diabetes, to my understanding. I wonder which "kind" this would work. I'd also like to know the "link" between this research and Dr. Faustman's (with the spleen cells) -- how is the biology related -- could they be triggering the same mechanism?

Another question to answer is, why do we form antibodies that are indicative of the presence of Type 1 diabetes? These antibodies tend to disappear or show up in a less significant quantity in people who have had Type 1 for several years (thus making this test not useful unless the person has recently been diagnosed).... so, how could we explain the antibody formation if this is a neurological basis? And why is there a significant link between Type 1 (autoimmune) and other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid and even gluten sensitivity? Are these conditions colinked by coincidence, then?

I can't wait until we hear more. I would love to know the researchers behind the story, too -- are these scientists well-known and respected, or are they up and new-comers who are looking for money and a quick buck before they admit the results cannot be confirmed by other labs?

I'll have to admit, I had a lot of excitement when reading this, but after a few hours of trying to connect the science, there are just too many holes.

But you'd better believe I'll be in line with the rest of you for the cure if it works.

[E-NICE]

While this approach has me optimistic. I have one nagging question. What about the genetifc aspect of type one in humans? Even if you suppress the immune system and get the beta cells to regrow on a large enough basis, would that be permanent? The bad genes that got us in this mess are still there. Not to say Im a geneticist or anything like that, just something that came to mind.

[Phranky]

Like August said, I'm sure the investors are watching this carefully. A cure would mean a loss of hundreds, if not, thousands of jobs, in the diabetes care industry for Type 1 diabetes.

I thought it was interesting that one of the articles said that it may help Type 2 diabetes, as well. I suspect this was added to help receive more funding, since Type 2 is where the money is at.

Deus also said he's being cautiously optimistic. I thought I'd see a lot more people saying the same. I guess it's been a while since we've seen any "new great news," and with it being a holiday season, it's hard to show skepticism.

There are several kinds of Type 1 diabetes, to my understanding. I wonder which "kind" this would work. I'd also like to know the "link" between this research and Dr. Faustman's (with the spleen cells) -- how is the biology related -- could they be triggering the same mechanism?

Another question to answer is, why do we form antibodies that are indicative of the presence of Type 1 diabetes? These antibodies tend to disappear or show up in a less significant quantity in people who have had Type 1 for several years (thus making this test not useful unless the person has recently been diagnosed).... so, how could we explain the antibody formation if this is a neurological basis? And why is there a significant link between Type 1 (autoimmune) and other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid and even gluten sensitivity? Are these conditions colinked by coincidence, then?

I can't wait until we hear more. I would love to know the researchers behind the story, too -- are these scientists well-known and respected, or are they up and new-comers who are looking for money and a quick buck before they admit the results cannot be confirmed by other labs?

I'll have to admit, I had a lot of excitement when reading this, but after a few hours of trying to connect the science, there are just too many holes.

But you'd better believe I'll be in line with the rest of you for the cure if it works.


I'm hoping that the loss in productivity, the cost of heathcare (especially in countries with Universal healthcare) will offset the loss of revenue's that treatment would generate.

And besides, it's not like there aren't multiple other chronic illnesses that can't be exploited by these companies.

Either way, let's hope we're seeing the beginning of the end.

[DeusXM]

the cost of heathcare (especially in countries with Universal healthcare) will offset the loss of revenue's that treatment would generate.

That's what I'm betting on. In the UK, the NHS is the major buyer of pharmaceutical products and as such can exert considerably more pressure on pharmaceutical companies, much more than collections of individuals can. State healthcare also means the State can also to some extent control the sort of research carried out. There's a reason islet replacement therapy and stem cell research are more advanced in the UK and Canada than anywhere else in the world.

[BriOnH]

Faustman's prediction of diabetics having many choices in which cure or therapy to recieve looks like it is coming to light. Looks like a mix and match will most likely occur.

Anyone that thinks this can be banned because of fiscal concerns is nuts. People like myself and many others will seek it and spread it. The after math will make a better economy and if such a war were to exist between diabetics and government, or any agency or people, the diabetics will win. In a landslide so big it wouldn't even last a week.

I'll just echo what Deus said too. Mice models to human models usually have very big obstacles. Hopefully they will be doing primate studies soon. These scientists often lack follow through. They need project plans that require results over certain time.

[DanG]

I'll just echo what Deus said too. Mice models to human models usually have very big obstacles. Hopefully they will be doing primate studies soon. These scientists often lack follow through. They need project plans that require results over certain time.

Does anyone here read technical journals? I mean, read and understand them?

What are the peer reviews analyzing? What are peer replications arriving at?

I just wonder if this is much like the room temperature fusion device those guys (Fleishmann & Ponds) in Salt Lake City about 20 years back had the country all abuzz.

I think I will take a dose of capsacin tea now before I go nighty night.
DanG

[Royce]

That sounds incredible...

[Starlight]

I'll cross my fingers but I wont expect too much. I've been hearing "the cure is right around the corner.." for far too long..

[Just_Plain_John]

I expect the pharmaceutical companies will make plenty on the treatments used to convert all of us to mice...:laugh:

[It Ain't Over]

I will bet that as this 'discovery' comes more into the light, those behind it will come to the same place as Faustman, will take a lot of time and money to get the human trials underway.
Let's all hope and pray the time will not be measured in decades and the money will be found.
The real good news here is that now two separate sources have 'cured' diabetes in mice. That bodes well for the population of diabetic mice anyway.:fisheye:

[Cyborg]

Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll come back as a mouse in the next life... :wink:

[Sweetie]

Hi! I think this is wonderful news - whether for newly diagnosed or all of us!

I am new here and have just found this forum for dibetics. This really looks like a great place and someplace I've been looking to find for years.

[KickStart101]

Hi Sweety. Welcome to The Family. There's lots of info and
Good People to help you out. I hope that you enjoy it here
and do Well. :)

[Michelek]

My friend had told me that he heard this on the news....but I couldn't find it anywhere. Thanks so much for providing it here :) I should've known this was the place to look!

[kessale]

Dear Freinds,

I just had my hands on the full research (13 pdf pages)

http://download.cell.com/pdfs/0092-8674/PIIS0092867406014656.pdf

Hope I've been of service

Cheers

Khaled

[JasonJayhawk]

Thanks a bunch, Khaled! I'll check it out after the holidays. We appreciate it!

:nurse:

[sbigelow]

Out of curiosity, I looked to see if the ADA had this information on their "Diabetes News" section of their website. And to my astonishment (sarcasm), no information on this research. Only new ways to treat diabetes. Makes you wonder if they really want to find a cure.:hmmmm2:

[Royce]

"The researchers caution they have yet to confirm their findings in people, but say they expect results from human studies within a year or so. Any treatment that may emerge to help at least some patients would likely be years away from hitting the market."

Well that sorta sucks. Sweet we have to wait another 10 years. :vollkomme

[Scratch]

Dear Freinds,

I just had my hands on the full research (13 pdf pages)

http://download.cell.com/pdfs/0092-8674/PIIS0092867406014656.pdf

Hope I've been of service

Cheers

Khaled
Thank you for that link. It'll be interesting to look at the report without the mediation of media writers.

[jjordie]

They also discovered that their treatments curbed the insulin resistance that is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes, and that insulin resistance is a major factor in Type 1 diabetes, suggesting the two illnesses are quite similar.


This looks like a great discovery and although it may not cure me but perhaps if my children and/or grandchildren are unlucky enough to become diabetic - who knows what cures the future may bring ?


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/jjordie/excited-1.gif


.

[mex]

thanks for that hope. really appreciate it.

[AndreLaplume]

Ha...I guess just the meat would be better! After a year with 6 year olds' type one, my first joke...not so funny I guess.

I want to know:

1) Will this work for folks who have had type one for one or more years.

2) What exactly is this cure....I am confused...they injected a mouse with pepper and the diabetes went away.....what harm could come from trying that on a human now.

3) If Canada has success I'll move there rather than wait for the FDA to drag its feet....you already pay less for your perscription drugs any way.

4) I'd really like a definitive answer on this one. Does diabetes kill off islet production all together or not....you see where I am going here regarding a cure.

thanks for that hope. really appreciate it.

[E-NICE]

I think it worked only at the beginning stages. My endo told me a while ago that you dont show symptoms of type one until around 90% of your beta cells are gone. There has been some research that suggests that you make beta cells forever but that leads to other questions. Like why do type 2s eventually need insulin? Also if you make beta cells forever why do we type one's exist in the first place? Hope this could be of some help.

[Doug]

There has been some research that suggests that you make beta cells forever but that leads to other questions. Like why do type 2s eventually need insulin? Also if you make beta cells forever why do we type one's exist in the first place? Hope this could be of some help.

the same research that showed that beta cells continue to be produced - even in people with type 1 for over 40 years ALSO proposed that that the cause of Diabetes was what was killing off the cells, if they could stop the killing off then the cells would proliferate ....

I dont have a link but I recall Joslin was involved in at least one part

[AndreLaplume]

I take it there is truly no real way of knowing whether stopping the attack would lead to the creation of new cells. So, if cell production is just about deminished by the time the disease is discovered, is this pepper cure not a cure at all since it won't work because by the time you find you need it, it is too late?





the same research that showed that beta cells continue to be produced - even in people with type 1 for over 40 years ALSO proposed that that the cause of Diabetes was what was killing off the cells, if they could stop the killing off then the cells would proliferate ....

I dont have a link but I recall Joslin was involved in at least one part

[momtomadison]

My understanding is this:

The whole theory behind injecting the extract from the so-called hot peppers is to stop the nerve cells from acting defectively. Theoretically stopping the autoimmune attack/defective nerve cells simultaneously. Hence, the nerve cell disorder is the "REAL CULPRIT TO AUTOIMMUNITY." Get nerve cells under control- stop autoimmunity - start regeneration of islets- produce insulin again.

It all sounds good to mice, know the big test is in humans.

It is the whole FDA approval thing that I hate.

Give me a "waiver" I'll sign it!!

How harmful could it really be anyway?

This was my analysis of the report.

[MJM]

Hi! I think this is wonderful news - whether for newly diagnosed or all of us!

I am new here and have just found this forum for dibetics. This really looks like a great place and someplace I've been looking to find for years.

Welcome Sweetie. Hope you enjoy the show.

[Just_Plain_John]

I take it there is truly no real way of knowing whether stopping the attack would lead to the creation of new cells. So, if cell production is just about deminished by the time the disease is discovered, is this pepper cure not a cure at all since it won't work because by the time you find you need it, it is too late?

No, I think you are mistaken. The pancreases keep trying to produce beta cells (insulin producers) but the nerve inflammation causes the new betas to be killed off. Once the inflammation is stopped with the capsaicin, the new betas get to work and make insulin, even in someone with D for a long time.

The trick will probably be getting the nerves to STAY uninflamed. I imagine that a shot for that nerve cluster is even harder than not bruising myself with a mealtime bolus...:frown: The technique of applying this medicine may take a little while, but the mechanism seems to be very promising.

If I remember right, this may also relate to multiple sclerosis - I'm not sure where I heard that part, though.

[E-NICE]

One question I have. This is very promising but with all the different incarnations of type one: Will this work for everbody?

They never said what made the nerve clusters inflamed in the first place.

[sbigelow]

Read this... Common Ground - January 2007 (http://commonground.ca/iss/0701186/cg186_cassels.shtml) I don't agree with everything to author says but it is an interesting theory.

[It Ain't Over]

If I understand correctly, it will only help newly diagnosed patients, not those of us whose islet cell production is already destroyed.:rolleyes:

Sing

The Faustman studies did find evidence to the contrary, look them up.
Both of these studies have made some mice very happy.

[Jak]

"August: The important question is: Who funded the research??

KickStart101: Most of the money donated comes from the Canadians. We
are a small population but we are also spunky and Very generous.

JaysonJayhawk: Like August said, I'm sure the investors are watching this carefully. A cure would mean a loss of hundreds, if not, thousands of jobs, in the diabetes care industry for Type 1 diabetes."


This research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Alberta Heritage Foundation, Banting & Best Diabetes Centre, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, the Canadian Arthritis Network, the Canadian MS Society and SickKids Foundation.

The only investors per se are the governments (federal/provincial) and individuals who donated to these various causes and/or charities.

While this approach has me optimistic. I have one nagging question. What about the genetifc aspect of type one in humans? Even if you suppress the immune system and get the beta cells to regrow on a large enough basis, would that be permanent? The bad genes that got us in this mess are still there. Not to say Im a geneticist or anything like that, just something that came to mind.

They never said what made the nerve clusters inflamed in the first place.

According to this research, the immune system will not be supressed: "Their conclusions upset conventional wisdom that Type 1 diabetes . . . was solely caused by auto-immune responses -- the body's immune system turning on itself . . . Diabetic mice became healthy virtually overnight after researchers injected a substance to counteract the effect of malfunctioning pain neurons in the pancreas."

"Researchers . . . have found that diabetes is controlled by abnormalities in the . . . nerve endings in the pancreatic islet cells that produce insulin. This discovery . . . has led to new treatment strategies for diabetes, achieving reversal of the disease without severe, toxic immunosuppression."

As for the "bad" genes, they didn't get us into the mess. It's complicated, it's late, and I likely won't explain it well, but the genes themselves only make us susceptilbe to diabetes, they do not cause it. Diabetes still needs a trigger -- a virus, or whatever, that likely causes the inflammation that causes the immune attack.

If the inflammation can be kept under control, and/or if they can find a way to either get those nerve endings producing their missing enzyme/peptite that makes them "invite" the immune response, then a virtual "cure" is possible. See the following quote:

“We started to look at nervous system elements that seemed to play a role in Type 1 diabetes and found that specific sensory neurons are critical for islet immune attack in the pancreas,” said Dr. Hans Michael Dosch . . . “These nerves secrete insufficient neuropeptides which sustain normal islet function, creating a vicious circle of progressive islet stress.”

“The major discovery was that removal of sensory neurons expressing the receptor TRPV1 neurons . . . prevented islet cell inflammation and diabetes . . . Disease protection occurred despite the fact that autoimmunity continues in the animals.”

"Strikingly, injection of the neuropeptide substance P cleared islet inflammation in NOD mice within a day and independently normalized the elevated insulin resistance normally associated with the disease. The two effects synergized to reverse diabetes without severely toxic immunosuppression."

It's my understanding that "the neuropeptide substance P" is the capsaicin which was injected into these mice. This is not the same as the neuropeptide which is the second element in any eventual cure.

Whatever you do, don't try injecting capsaicin. I've done a bit of research and pure capsaicin diluted with water in the ratio of 1:100,000 is still hot enough to blister tongue and lips.

[KickStart101]

"August: The important question is: Who funded the research??
KickStart101: Most of the money donated comes from the Canadians. We
are a small population but we are also spunky and Very generous.
JaysonJayhawk: Like August said, I'm sure the investors are watching this carefully. A cure would mean a loss of hundreds, if not, thousands of jobs, in the diabetes care industry for Type 1 diabetes."
This research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Alberta Heritage Foundation, Banting & Best Diabetes Centre, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, the Canadian Arthritis Network, the Canadian MS Society and SickKids Foundation.
The only investors per se are the governments (federal/provincial) and individuals who donated to these various causes and/or charities.

Yes, we are well aware, thanks. Among other charities we give
to 1 on that list.

I was speaking basics without getting political. The government
gets most of the money to give to researchers from us, the taxpayers.
It's the Canadians who do the fund raising and donating to make
up for the money the government keeps slashing out of hospitals,
etc. so they can put it where they want. The research is Great
but they put alot of that money where we don't want it to go.

No matter how you go around it, the government still gets most
of the money for research here, from us, the People.

[Jak]

Yes, we are well aware, thanks. Among other charities we give
to 1 on that list.

I was speaking basics without getting political. The government
gets most of the money to give to researchers from us, the taxpayers.
It's the Canadians who do the fund raising and donating to make
up for the money the government keeps slashing out of hospitals,
etc. so they can put it where they want. The research is Great
but they put alot of that money where we don't want it to go.

No matter how you go around it, the government still gets most
of the money for research here, from us, the People.

I wasn't arguing that point per se, only adding pertinent information. If I were arguing, I would have pointed out that the taxes we pay are not paid "generously".

At any rate, the information I posted was to point out which groups had actually participated in the funding as well as mentioning that individuals contributed to those groups. The fact that the governments contributed is to their credits because, as you point out, they could have spent the money elsewhere.

I find it interesting that no charity connected with diabetes contributed. I suppose that was because the diabetes angle was discovered by accident. Hopefully that will now change.

Forgot to add:

It should be pointed out that drug companies and individuals who might have stood to financially profit from this research were not involved. The government, on the other hand, could save billions of dollars over the years if a viable cure is found, which is fine by me.

[KickStart101]

I wasn't arguing that point per se, only adding pertinent information. If I were arguing, I would have pointed out that the taxes we pay are not paid "generously".

Naw, I wasn't arguing either, just making a point. Ha! That many
taxes...no. Definitely not given generously. I was talking about the
donations and fundraisers. That's done with generousity...and 10%
taxes would be fine with us also....or 8% like Alberta. ;)


I find it interesting that no charity connected with diabetes contributed. I suppose that was because the diabetes angle was discovered by accident. Hopefully that will now change.

Yes, you have a point there. You'd think one of them would be on the
list. Doesn't the JDRF help fund stem cell research though? I read too much...info gets overlaped sometimes.

Nice seeing you back Jak. Thanks again.

[AndreLaplume]

a shot to have the body remain uninflamed and the body regulate its own sugar levels than the shot for us to regulate it ourselves. Lets see if we hear more on this or if it mysteriously fades away. You would have thought such promising news would have made it into the major newscasts...never saw it mentioned except here!


No, I think you are mistaken. The pancreases keep trying to produce beta cells (insulin producers) but the nerve inflammation causes the new betas to be killed off. Once the inflammation is stopped with the capsaicin, the new betas get to work and make insulin, even in someone with D for a long time.

The trick will probably be getting the nerves to STAY uninflamed. I imagine that a shot for that nerve cluster is even harder than not bruising myself with a mealtime bolus...:frown: The technique of applying this medicine may take a little while, but the mechanism seems to be very promising.

If I remember right, this may also relate to multiple sclerosis - I'm not sure where I heard that part, though.

[Jak]

Andre, keep in mind that it is not just the inflammation that is a factor here. To quote: “These nerves secrete insufficient neuropeptides which sustain normal islet function, creating a vicious circle of progressive islet stress.”

Yes, they need to control the inflammation, but they also need to figure out how to either get those nerves producing the neuropeptides they lack, or somehow replace them (the neuropeptides) by another means.

Jak

[AndreLaplume]

I thought the study said the mice were cured by, in effect, destoying those nuero cells....

[Jak]

I thought the study said the mice were cured by, in effect, destoying those nuero cells....

I've gone over this another time. I think what they're saying is that removing those nerve cells prevents diabetes, but does not cure it. I've edited the following information to make is more readable (I hope):

'“We...found that specific sensory neurons are critical for islet immune attack... These nerves secrete insufficient neuropeptides which sustain normal islet function, creating a vicious circle of progressive islet stress.”

Using diabetes-prone NOD mice...the research group learned how to treat the abnormality by supplying neuropeptides and even reversed established diabetes.

“The major discovery was that removal of sensory neurons expressing the receptor TRPV1 neurons in NOD mice prevented islet cell inflammation and diabetes in most animals...Disease protection occurred despite the fact that autoimmunity continues in the animals. This helped us to focus our studies on finding the new control circuit in the islets.”

Strikingly, injection of the neuropeptide substance P cleared islet inflammation in NOD mice within a day and independently normalized the elevated insulin resistance normally associated with the disease. The two effects synergized to reverse diabetes without severely toxic immunosuppression.'

From what I read it appears on the one hand they are talking about the removal of sensory nerves expressing the receptor TRPV1 neurons preventing inflammation and diabetes, while on the other hand they are talking about reversing (curing) established diabetes by adding neuropeptides. (I'm wondering, too, if the neuropeptides to which they refer are actually the capsaicin. Hmm.) Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

I guess I'll have to go do some research on TRPV1 receptor neurons and neuropeptides . . .

Jak

[erich]

After a quick scan of this thread I didn't see it mentioned about the mice being cured for four months.

Am I correct in assuming that due to life cycle that means 15-20 years for us?

Tahnks ,
Erich

[Harold]

After a quick scan of this thread I didn't see it mentioned about the mice being cured for four months.

Am I correct in assuming that due to life cycle that means 15-20 years for us?

Tahnks ,
ErichGood point. Maybe they ran out of mice after curing all of them.

[Jak]

After a quick scan of this thread I didn't see it mentioned about the mice being cured for four months.

Am I correct in assuming that due to life cycle that means 15-20 years for us?

Tahnks ,
Erich

I dunno, Erich, but my first guess would be "no".

Jak

After a quick scan of this thread I didn't see it mentioned about the mice being cured for four months.

Am I correct in assuming that due to life cycle that means 15-20 years for us?

Tahnks ,
Erich

I couldn't find anything specific in regards to a four-month cure in mice being equivalent to 15-20 years in humans, but according to the following, it would be a mistake to make such an assumption based on the life cycle of mice as compared to the human life cycle:

"The phenotypic differences mentioned above between mice and humans due to telomerase deficiency are a perfect example. As proven time and time again in other biomedical fields, what occurs in the aging process of other mammals may not be representative of human biology (reviewed in Davenport, 2003). Therefore, if we base our understanding of human aging on model organisms, even mammals, we must be careful about extrapolating findings into humans. One of the reasons why the mechanisms responsible for human aging remain largely a mystery is the lack of appropriate models where scientists can test their hypotheses and the controversy relating to the interpretation of findings in those organisms."

[erich]

Today in The Washington Post there was this article that gum disease may be linked to more serious health problems, in this case pancreatic cancer.
washingtonpost.com (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/16/AR2007011601401.html)

Seems inflammation is a much bigger villain than anyone expected.

Erich J. Knight

This Hot Pepper story in the National Review of Medicine I thinks spells out the work in a little more detail:

NRM: Canadian team cracks type I diabetes code (http://www.nationalreviewofmedicine.com/issue/2007/01_15/4_advances_medicine01_1.html)

[Cjohnson202]

Once again, I volunteer myself for testing....lol

[Emmasmommy]

HI all im new here but My Daughter attends the clinic at the hospital for sick children (the place "discovered" this) I have been asking many questions about what it is they found. From what they have told me this may not be a cure for everyone. But this maybe a cure for some from what they have found not all diabeties is directly linked to the nervous system but the ones that are this is very promissing. I hope and pray that this is just the start of some great things to come. My son is curently part of a world wide study that is looking for a "triger" being related to mile protien being given to infants through formula. They are using "high risk" Kids (my 4 month old tested positive for the gene) and they are giving half the kids milk based and the other half milk free for the first 6 months of life. This is a 10 year study and hopefully it eaither can pervent or give us more information about what causes this for the kids that are not nervus system related. Just my 2 cents

[Jak]

This Hot Pepper story in the National Review of Medicine I thinks spells out the work in a little more detail:

NRM: Canadian team cracks type I diabetes code (http://www.nationalreviewofmedicine.com/issue/2007/01_15/4_advances_medicine01_1.html)

Thanks, Erich. This article explains it much better than any of the others I've read. Unfortunately perhaps, it explains in more detail why it may not be a cure of all of us. However, as mentioned, it "opens up an entirely new field of investigations in type l and possibly type ll diabetes, as well as tissue selective autoimmunity in general." Here's hoping something good comes from this -- hopefully soon.

Jak

HI all im new here but My Daughter attends the clinic at the hospital for sick children (the place "discovered" this) I have been asking many questions about what it is they found. From what they have told me this may not be a cure for everyone. But this maybe a cure for some from what they have found not all diabeties is directly linked to the nervous system but the ones that are this is very promissing. I hope and pray that this is just the start of some great things to come.

Hi Mom. What you say about any eventual cure evolving from this research maybe not being a cure for everyone with type 1 backs up the information from the link Erich provided. Too bad for some, but hopefully it will lead to a cure for at least some of us.

How old was your daughter when she was diagnosed?

Jak



How old was your daughter when she was diagnosed?

Jak

Just checked another post. Fourteen months it is.

Jak, also from Canada (Saskatchewan)

[Emmasmommy]

My daughter was 14 months when she was dx

[LiveNormal]

Thanks, Erich. This article explains it much better than any of the others I've read. Unfortunately perhaps, it explains in more detail why it may not be a cure of all of us. However, as mentioned, it "opens up an entirely new field of investigations in type l and possibly type ll diabetes, as well as tissue selective autoimmunity in general." Here's hoping something good comes from this -- hopefully soon.

Jak

Hi Jak, do you mind pasting the original text of this report in this thread? I tried to connect to it but to no avail...

I was diagnosed 7years back in 2000. Back then, we tried oral medicine for 6 months before proceeding to using 30/70 mixtard. My current Endo told me I am not type 1. In his opinion, no type1 can survive 6 months without insulin.

[erich]

National Review of Medicine
JANUARY 15, 2007 VOLUME 4 NO. 1

ADVANCES in MEDICINE

Canadian team cracks type I diabetes code

Targeting defective neurons could lead to a cure for types I and II

By William D Donaldson



Canadian researchers may well have just cracked the root cause of type I diabetes, opening up new avenues of treatment, prevention and potential cure for this baffling disease. What's more, the findings could have major implications for the more prevalent type II diabetes — maybe even other autoimmune pathologies as well.

The astonishing results — though only seen in mice so far — seem to have overturned the longstanding assumption that type I diabetes is caused by a defect in immune cells. The cells that are actually responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease are sensory nerve cells in the pancreas called TRPV1 neurons, researchers from the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Calgary reported in the journal

on December 15. With that understanding, they succeeded in reversing the disease without any serious immunosuppressive side effects.

A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
It's well known that diabetes involves a progressive failure of the insulin-producing º cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. The stress and death of these cells attracts autoantigens that in turn draw in lymphocytes, which attack the remaining º cells. But those same autoantigens are also present elsewhere in the body, and despite decades of research, it remained unclear why such a severe autoimmune reaction occurred only in the pancreas — until now.

"We started to look at nervous system elements that seemed to play a role in type I diabetes and found that specific sensory neurons are critical for islet immune attack in the pancreas," Dr Hans Michael Dosch, the study's principal investigator and senior scientist at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, explained in a release.

What's more, the nerves' own function is dependent on local insulin levels: in the absence of sufficient insulin, they produce less of the neuropeptide known as substance P. Lack of substance P, the researchers hypothesised, in turn harms º cell function, further reducing insulin production.

To test their theory, the team destroyed TRPV1 neurons by injecting capsaicin into the pancreas of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice — the mainstay model of diabetes research. Capsaicin (present in hot peppers) is known to specifically target the neurons, leaving the surrounding tissue untouched.

At 20 weeks' age, more than 70% of the islets were completely free of infiltration by lymphocytes — a hugely significant reduction in autoimmune inflammation. Capsaicin treatment delayed the onset of diabetes and reduced its final incidence by about 80%.

FROM MICE TO MEN
Eliminating the sensory neurons in a mouse model certainly seemed to prevent diabetes, but its applicability to human treatment might be questionable, the researchers knew. After all, destroying neurons in newborn children on the off chance that they might otherwise develop type I diabetes is likely to raise some eyebrows.

"We are now working hard to extend our studies to patients, where many have sensory nerve abnormalities, but we don't yet know if these abnormalities start early in life and if they contribute to disease development," said Dr Dosch. Starting in the next few months, he hopes to look for sensory abnormalities in children born to families at high-risk of type I diabetes, and to follow them in order to identify a connection to disease onset.

In the meantime, there's another even more promising avenue to explore. The researchers also discovered that injecting substance P, the neuropeptide whose production is impaired in faulty pancreatic sensory neurons, produced equally startling results. Injected into the pancreatic artery of diabetic mice, it caused the disease to simply disappear in more than half of them, for periods ranging from two weeks to two months. Insulin resistance fell and blood glucose levels were normalized. Even in the mice whose diabetes remained, metabolic control improved and the weight loss typical in diabetic NOD mice was avoided.

BEYOND TYPE I
Buoyed by their findings, the researchers extended their study to type II diabetes, a much more prevalent form of the disease where insulin resistance is even more pronounced. They compared mice of the B6 strain, a model of type II diabetes, with and without expression of TRPV1. Sure enough, the latter group showed much better glucose response after glucose challenge, suggesting that TRPV1 may play a role in type II disease as well.

And that's just the start of it. The mutant gene that causes the TRPV1 defect in the NOD mouse is located on a stretch of DNA called the Idd4 diabetes risk locus. There's reason to believe that risk loci associated with other autoimmune diseases overlap with this snippet, raising the possibility that TRPV1 might play a role in more than just diabetes.

Collaborator Dr Pere Santamaria of the University of Calgary said the implications could be monumental. "This discovery opens up an entirely new field of investigations in type I and possibly type II diabetes, as well as tissue selective autoimmunity in general. We have created a better understanding of both type I and type II diabetes, with new therapeutic targets and approaches derived for both diseases."

[LiveNormal]

Thank you so much, Erich ...

[E-NICE]

Genes Linked to Autoimmune Diseases - To Your Health - MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16738416/site/newsweek/)

[Stuboy]

an interesting read... most of it went over my head, but i did try lol

[Starlight]

Theres just so much research out there on the causes- autoimmune, neurologic, genetic...It confuses me & scares me to think they'll find the cure for one category and I'll be left out..Man now THAT would suck..:frown:

[erich]

Pilot study provides diabetic patients and caregivers with high-tech approach to monitoring and care



Wilfrid Laurier University - Headlines (http://www.wlu.ca/news_detail.php?grp_id=0&nws_id=2774)

[oneluckyplay]

thought i read that the inflammation kills all of the insulin producing genes. so how is that going to help a mouse that has no islet genes left(let alone a human with no islet genes left).

[designdb]

You know guys believe me I don't want to be negative about this but having Diabetes for 37 yrs, it's the same old story, I hate to tell this especially to the new comers of the disease.

Don't get your hopes up, just live your lives and get a good doctor who will NOT steer you in the wrong direction far as your health. Don't eat sugar, well except for natural sugars like in fruits, and keep your blood sugar in the normal range and exercise. If you follow this you will be successful in your adventure and be healthy which as you know is the most important thing.

[BriOnH]

Genes Linked to Autoimmune Diseases - To Your Health - MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16738416/site/newsweek/)

What exactly is wrong with the genes in these regulatory T cells? What are they doing that they shouldn't be doing?
Young: In autoimmune disorders, most of these genes are less active than they normally would be. What Alex and his colleagues discovered is that this turns the regulatory T cells' activities down, so they're not as aggressive or powerful as they normally would be. Now, it was only three years ago that scientists discovered the "brain" of the regulatory T cells, or the gene that tells them how to do their job. This is a gene called Foxp3.

So Foxp3 is the immune system's big boss, and the 30 genes you've found inside the regulatory T cells are the middle managers?
Young: Right. Until now, it was not known exactly how Foxp3 was giving these T cells directions—which genes it was controlling in order to do that.

That last paragraph really hit home. I hope we can learn to minipulate these genes. Faustman is doing it. I wonder if she is making any more progress.

[BlueSky]

..... Don't get your hopes up, just live your lives and get a good doctor who will NOT steer you in the wrong direction. .....
I feel this way too, after having been T1 for 30 years. Lots of people seem to be having lots of interesting ideas about finding a permanent solution to T1. But I don't expect a cure within my lifetime. Even if a "cure" did come along, I don't know that I would want to try it if it involved messing with my immune system and my genes. Better the devil you know than the one you don't. I have done OK on MDI so far. And I will be able to keep it up for the next 30 years.

Having said that, I think research in all areas of human endeavour is great. And I salute those who can get excited about it.

[momtomadison]

It would be nice to hear some updated information on this research. Anyone have anything?

I get ancy when I hear great news in diabetes research, and then nothing. I know it hasn't been too awful long ago, but SOMETHING would be nice.

like, where are they going with it now?

When are we going to see some capsacian injections? lol

[JasonJayhawk]

Here's random articles I've come across--not sure if they've been mentioned already.

1. Revimmune Uses An Approved Drug In A New Patent-Pending Method To Eliminate Autoimmunity (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=64250)

My comments: Basically, the article makes mention of treatment of Type 1 diabetes by "rebooting" the immune system with an already-approved drug. They report that this process has been successful with other autoimmune conditions, like MS, MG, and RA.

Even though juvenile diabetes is mentioned, no studies have been made with it.

I get uncomfortable when too many forward-looking statements are made in a single press release.

2. Diamyd Medical Announces Phase III Clinical Trials Plan For Diamyd(R) In Type 1 Diabetes (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=64813)

My comments: This article mentions a drug from Diamyd Medical that deals with the GAD65 autoantigen. It's interesting to note that they report that the GAD might have a roll in other CNS-related diseases. This links back to the news reported earlier about another research group thinking that Type 1 has a neurological component.

[BlueSky]

..... This links back to the news reported earlier about another research group thinking that Type 1 has a neurological component.
I was reading an article on neurofeedback in which it was suggested that this technology can be used in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The notion seemed a bit off-the-wall to me. So I did a search and found this:

In the case of Type I diabetes, a condition in which the body has lost its ability to fabricate insulin by virtue of autoimmune disease, EEG biofeedback training can provide a greater tolerance to variations in glucose level. Subjects report being more energetic and robust.
EEG Spectrum International - Introduction to Neurofeedback and Autoimmune Dysfunction (http://www.eegspectrum.com/Applications/AutoimmuneDysfunction/IntroAutoimmune/)

Interesting. I have been considering using neurofeedback to deal with an attention issue. Maybe it would somhow help dealing with glyceamic control too. Anyone have any comments?

[msrkBen]

All I have to say is, "I'll believe it when I see it."

[JasonJayhawk]

I
I have been considering using neurofeedback to deal with an attention issue. Maybe it would somhow help dealing with glyceamic control too. Anyone have any comments?

It sounds like some kind of stress management -- having low(er) stress would probably improve glycemic control.

Not sure I'd spend money on their technique.

As far as your attention issue...there could be a many reasons to consider! (Sleep apnea, stress, adult-onset ADD, thyroid hormone imbalance, all for starters).

[KickStart101]

It would be nice to hear some updated information on this research. Anyone have anything?
I get ancy when I hear great news in diabetes research, and then nothing. I know it hasn't been too awful long ago, but SOMETHING would be nice.
like, where are they going with it now?
When are we going to see some capsacian injections? lol


I did e-mail CBC about any updates a while back
but I haven't heard anything back yet. Probably
means they haven't heard anything either. I also
tried googling for updates but I haven't found the
key words yet. Someone in Toronto oh say "Injecto"
might have an easier go at any info. ;) Then again,
maybe not.


Well, I'd rather feel hopeful than hopeless.

I did find the Person responsible for info and
updates concerning the Diabetes Reversal
Research. I sent her an e-mail requesting
any updates she could offer. I told her
about Tony's Forums and gave her the site
address. I also gave her my e-mail address.

Unfortunately, I don't think we will receive any
updates since they probably do not give them
to civillians(sp). That would take a lot of Staff
to e-mail every one.

Instead it seems like most businesses, when
they have worthwhile updates they then call
whatever media outlets have asked to be called
and give them the news first. Then the media
puts it out to the public.

They are continuing the research and will be
extending it to Humans when it is the right time.

[erich]

Some updates on the canadian sensory neurons discovery


some updates on the canadian sensory neurons discovery (http://www.islet.org/forum/messages/47484.htm)

Erich J. Knight

[JasonJayhawk]

Erich,

Thanks for the update. Looks like a re-hash of December's news, but it's nice to know their PR department is working hard!


My comments in the updates:

** They bring up Type 2 treatments more than once in the article. "BEYOND TYPE 1"... Not good!

** Real world translation: The research team needs more research money, and the only way to get research money is to pull in type 2 diabetes. This is not a good sign for research grants when they have to do this. That tells you there is little interest in finding a cure. Can you imagine how much unemployment would go up if people were cured? (Sorry, I'm tired, maybe I'm feeling more conspiracy-theoryish tonight).

** Theory 2: They're pulling in Type 2 diabetes because they like to make predictions on what their research can do, rather than what they have already accomplished. Too much forward-looking is a sign of dreamers in the lab word. I imagine the article was written for a different audience, though--perhaps the people who have the money.

[Ailsa]

Don't know if any of you are up with this?

Pig cell transplants bring new hope for sick Kiwis - 17 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10434607)

I've been following this research since the beginning. I don't think this has been discussed here, but truly. this thread is too long to read all the way through. It's very interesting & I am considering whether I should put my name forward, although I imagine the queue will be fairly long. I've met several of the earlier participants & they're all mad keen to have another try. The best thing of course, is that you don't need anti rejection drugs.

[AndreLaplume]

...sounds like the issue of regulating the insulin needs to be addressed. Needing less insulin is nice but I wonder what the difficulties of maintaining a certain glucose level are. I wonder if the cells actually make it harder to maintain a perscribed level? Interesting though.

[Ailsa]

The idea of course was not to reduce the amount of insulin, but to get the patient off insulin entirely.
In the first trials they were unsure how many cells to use & worked on the safe side rather than give someone too many. I guess they will have a better idea next time round & will definately be aiming ti get the patients off insulin.
I have seen a video of the procedure & it's very simple. Takes less than 30 minutes & only requires local anasthetic. The cells are inserted via a metal tube, a bit like a straw, and can be sucked out if there are any problems. However none of the previous recipients had any problems.

[VinceF]

I'm not sure how to post links to other websites so You might try looking at Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. - (http://www.aastrom.com/) . They have a bioreactor for growing out stem cells. They have had some sucess...2 instances of curing leukemia and have been funded by the nih to do studies (I'm not clear on this) about kidney or perhaps islet transplantation. Last I heard Canada was the place to get a transplant useing the Edmonton protocol.

[Olidus]

Note sure of those who have read the following information.

Pumpkin Extract May Help Treat Diabetes, May Help Protect Insulin-Making Cells From Type 1 Diabetes, Animal Tests Suggest - CBS News (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/09/health/webmd/main3033332.shtml)

Pumpkin extract may protect against diabetes (http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?n=78023-pumpkin-diabetes-antioxidants)

LifeScan Diabetes News -- Pumpkin could help diabetics avoid insulin shots (http://www.lifescan.com/diabetes/news/20070710elin007/)

[AndreLaplume]

I need to by a lifetime supply before the pump makers, suppliers etc cut a deal with the chinese and bury it all.

[momtomadison]

I think it is called indositol powder. Are people really trying this to see if it works? Wouldn't that be the kicker if type 1 diabetics started using this stuff and began taking themselves off insulin. How great that would be. However, then there would be a shortage of this stuff and some big pharma company would buy them out and resell it to us for more than we could afford and insurance companies would refuse to cover it.

Just rambling.

[Olidus]

globeandmail.com: Seaweed ‘case' protects insulin production (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070729.wdiabetes0729/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home)

Always good to hear new news on the subject.

[mike9876]

Here is a couple bits on lettuce capsules containing insulin. The insulin gene is injected into the plant cells and it produces insulin in the leaf that is ground into a fine powered. Human trials have started and the professor behind reckons it will cure type 1 diabetics. At worse it will allow for insulin to be taken orally. They reckon it is dirt cheap to produce and it will be a cheap cure.

Insulin Capsules Have Potential To Prevent Diabetes Before Symptoms Appear And Treat The Disease In Its Later Stages (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/78273.php)

Local Professor Begins Human Trials For Diabetes Cure - News Story - WESH Orlando (http://www.wesh.com/news/13985634/detail.html)

[JasonJayhawk]

"Insulin is not a cure." I wonder what mechanism he thinks will cause the alleged immune system response to stop destroying beta cells simply by eating lettuce with a gene added to produce the insulin protein.

I've heard of MS patients being treated orally with mylon sheath from cows to reduce the autoimmune response by retraining the immune system, but I'm skeptical when an article claims that something like this would "cure 21 million cases of diabetes" -- they don't even state the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which makes the professor sound out of his league.

[mike9876]

Jason

Look at it this way. If it don't bring a cure they are hoping for it could do away with injections, something many people will be happy with.

I know it doesn't say if the mice where type 1 or 2, but to me it looks like they were type 1. I imgine the drug could be used to treat type 1 and type 2. I look at this way when it comes to research. If they come up with a treatment for type 1 it could trickle through to help type 2's and if they come up with a treatment for type 2 it might help type 1,s as well. I know type 1 and type 2 are different and why. This next link looks at a treatment for type 1 but it could be used for type 2 as well.

And with treatment below there is no need for anti rejection drugs.

Breakthrough In Transplants Using Diabetic Animal Model (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/78216.php)

[sbuff28@charter]

There is always hope for a cure...

But when i read stuff like this over and over and over it just gets my hopes up. I've decided to stop reading new stories like that until i find one that says " DIABETES CURED! : ALL PRAY AND DANCE IN THE STREETS IN JOY!"

until then i boycott all diabetic news stories



I guess progress is progress after all though.

[notme]

This story was on our local NBC affiliate tonight. Thought I would share one more story. They are doing human trials now.

UCF News and Information (http://news.ucf.edu/UCFnews/index?page=article&id=0024004102c4c1d99011146fc1c3200521b)

[trehard]

I hate to burst your bubbles but the news is always flapping their mouth about NEW things. Twenty years ago the NEWS said there would be a cure in 10 years. Hey I'm still waiting!!! In other words, people don't ever get your hopes up. Just live life, take care of yourself, and go on because IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.


-------

[Alaska]

I hate to burst your bubbles but the news is always flapping their mouth about NEW things. Twenty years ago the NEWS said there would be a cure in 10 years. Hey I'm still waiting!!! In other words, people don't ever get your hopes up. Just live life, take care of yourself, and go on because IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.


-------

Well aren't you just the little burst of joy and hopefullness :D

[HealthyChocolat]

.......For Type 1's If Not Already Mentioned. :D


Canadian scientists reverse diabetes in mice (http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2006/12/14/diabetes-neuron.html)

Wow. That's amazing, wonderful. Thank you so much for posting it!
:)

[HealthyChocolat]

Well aren't you just the little burst of joy and hopefullness :D

Our doctor said the same thing. Diet, exercise, lose weight, and consume the best antioxidants.

[azzkikr3d]

The sooner they get started the better. This is interesting and I have also seen a report that suggests that constant courses of Anti-biotics in infants and todlers is loso a cause of Type I Diabetes. This is what they suspect happend to myself.

But, lets hope they get the results going and a cure vrey, very soon... I for one would not miss having to poke a needle in me 5-6 times a day...




Alska. I share your scheptisizm there. They are always bragging that they are working on a cure, but let me tell you, the manufacturers of insulin and diabetes related products are making too much **** money for tham to ever allow a cure to be developed. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I have been stuck with Type I for 31 years and well, hope is not a strong suit any more. I will post my viem a bit later today.

[dazzy34]

Saw this on the Guardian's website.....

Pioneering 45-minute treatment for diabetes holds prospect of cure | Society | The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/feb/12/health.nhs)

[shiftzor]

I found this on the BBC website; they have cured diabetes in mice with 3 drugs and an enzyme. The diabetic mice started producing insulin again. With every new piece of research we get closer and closer to finding that cure. ;)

BBC NEWS | Health | Diabetic mice 'cured' with drugs (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7267586.stm)

[1type2go]

Hey all
Just thought ya might want to see this from up here in Canada Eh!:D
People are finally getting it !







West Coast aboriginal community tests low-carb diet
Diet may mitigate health problems such as diabetes and obesity
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 | 1:26 AM ET Comments10Recommend62CBC News

A remote community off the north coast of Vancouver Island is the unlikely venue for an experiment that uses diet to try to improve the health of native communities.


Dr. Jay Wortman of UBC is leading a research team that aims to show that a low-carb diet can ease problems such as diabetes and obesity, which tend to be rampant in North American native communities.
(CBC)
Dr. Jay Wortman, a Métis, is working with aboriginal Canadians in Alert Bay on B.C.'s Cormorant Island in a bid to show a low-carbohydrate diet can mitigate health problems such as diabetes and obesity, which tend to be rampant in North American native communities.

Working for the University of B.C. faculty of medicine, Wortman is examining the theory that high-calorie Western foods are the root cause of those health problems. A CBC documentary on his study will be shown on Newsworld Tuesday evening at 10:00 p.m. (ET and PT).

Wortman, a diabetic himself, thinks the low-carb diet, dubbed "My Big Fat Diet,'' may benefit native people because they don't metabolize carbohydrates well.

He set up a year-long study of the diet in Alert Bay, where 60 people agreed to live on a more traditional aboriginal diet of meat, seafood and non-starch vegetables such as cauliflower.

His theory is that sharply reducing the consumption of carbohydrates and sugar will cut deeply into the very high rates of obesity and diabetes in native communities.

People who took part in the study lost significant amounts of weight, Wortman said. They also showed improvements in their cholesterol levels and diabetes control.

Chief a believer
Art Dick, a recovering alcoholic and Namgis First Nation hereditary chief, said he is living proof that the diet actually works.

After following the diet, Dick said he no longer takes medication for diabetes.

"There's times I used to forget how many pills I took, what time I was supposed to take it, on and on and on, and now I don't have to worry about that schedule any more,'' he said.

Alert Bay fisherman Greg Wadhams is also on the diet. He is allowed to eat meat and fat, but no carbohydrates.

He too said he has conquered diabetes: "I used to take pills three times a day for my diabetes. Since I've been on the diet, I've not been on any medication at all."

Still, Wortman hasn't convinced the medical establishment just yet.

The diet he is advocating has been compared with the high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins diet, which has been criticized by the American Society for Nutrition for causing dramatic weight fluctuations, leading to illness.

The Health Canada Aboriginal Food Guide still recommends native people eat rice, bread and pasta.

Traditional diet a challenge
As well, living on a more traditional diet may present challenges for many native communities, said Bernadette Dejonzague, a registered dietitian and a diabetes prevention program co-ordinator.

This is because access to food sources such as sockeye salmon may be limited by contamination and transportation issues.

Many people who live in native communities "wouldn't know what to do with a deer or moose, even if they were able to shoot one,'' said Dejonzague, who is a member of the Abenaki First Nation and based in London, Ont.

When asked about these potential challenges, Wortman agreed that more long-term studies will be needed to prove that the diet he is advocating actually works.

Meanwhile, he said, he sees the Big Fat Diet as a therapeutic intervention for people suffering from obesity and diabetes, as opposed to something that should be embraced by entire native communities.


Less refined,pls remind :D

[ant hill]

It has well known that Aborigines as had good BG control just using Bush Tucker or bush food and that's is not new news as I can remember that this story was about 20 years ago.

This springs to mind of our own food as we eat it. Can it be said that what is wrong with our food? OK this is getting a little off topic. :topic: Sorry guys.

But it is interesting to see that just 4 drugs that halts the destroying immune system attacking the insulin that the beta cells produces. :D I just hope that this will go further. :D

[miss_ok_ish]

Human trials to begin on 'diabetes cure' after terminally ill mice are returned to health | the Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=534410&in_page_id=1774&ct=5)


for your reading pleasure x yippee

lets all cross our fingers and toes :D :D :D :D

[DarthDiabetes]

I have all my fingers crossed!

[shiftzor]

Human trials to begin on 'diabetes cure' after terminally ill mice are returned to health | the Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=534410&in_page_id=1774&ct=5)


for your reading pleasure x yippee

lets all cross our fingers and toes :D :D :D :D

Dam it! Does it work if we skip the toes bit? I can’t seem to cross mine :D Sounds promising though. ;)

[ant hill]

Most diabetes sufferers could be cured within four years if a revolutionary treatment involving the BCG vaccine works, scientists said yesterday
Ho bother, Yeah my toes & fingers are crossed too but then I will wait yet another year as Australia will get this a lot later than the rest of the world. :(

[Chris1975]

It seems to me that there is no "financial gain" if there is a cure for diabetes or any other illness out there. The pharmaceutical companies just want to be able to pump out drugs that will mask symptoms or slow down the symptoms, but not cure them. This causes new issues within our body that is directly resulted from the medication that we use previously. It's a vicious cycle that will put our bodies into turmoil and confusion and make us constatntly pump drugs that are not meant to be digested. When you see a commercial about a specific drug and it states that it may cause vomiting, blurred vision, insomnia or dizziness, don't you think that this is something that shouldn't be in your body?? Isn't it your body's way of telling you, "Hey, this shouldn't be here?". These drugs are not tested properly nor are there any long term research because they don't have the time b/c it's always about the bottom line and making the shareholders happy, period. Don't be surprised if there is something out there that is getting media attention and is the next big thing. There will be drug reps and their billions of dollars that will do anything to denounce what they've done and make sure that noone tries it.

[pegasus]

Dr. Faustman has been considered controversial here

children with DIABETES - Research into a Cure - Dr. Faustman (http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/faustman.htm)

but she's underwritten by Lee Iacoca, so her funding issues are less worrisome than others. Also, I've been hearing about discussions happening in the WHO to reorganize how medical R&D is paid for (with the drug comps there, too) to (and this will be wild oversimplification; I don't know that much about it) make it profitable based on health outcome rather than the number sold. This is coming from the lessons of AIDS and TB drugs, the latter killing mostly poor people who aren't under the current system very profitable.

[Mich]

I'm not sure how many of you have been following the progress of Denise Faustman's research but there are some intersting points to note. (Chris, you are right.)

1. The potential "cure" involves a drug (BCG) that is routinely given to infants and children all over the world to vaccinate them against tuberculosis. It is cheap and approved and readily available right now.

2. Because of # 1, there is very little money to be made if this works. Drug companies are not interested and have said so.

3. The medical establishment and drug company establishment have already made some pretty deplorable personal attacks. Trying to block Denise Faustman's Research? (http://www.islet.org/forum/messages/36196.htm) I hope we are allowed to link to another forum, because this is an excellent synopsis.

4.In spite of the fact that the MGH Clinical Trials are in their beginning stages, they will go more quickly because of #1. If even a few autoimmune responses are removed, it will be a success. Hopefully our weird Killer T cells will also be eliminated (they are the target in this study.) There is reason for hope on this one.

Mich
Just for reference, this is the first time in 49 years I've felt this way.

[shiftzor]

Well it feels like history is repeating itself. Having had a brief history lesson ;) I hope that despite all odds they will prevail and that history will repeat itself. I just hope this "idea" is crazy enough to succeed like insulin was at the turn of the last century :D.

[ant hill]

2. Because of # 1, there is very little money to be made if this works. Drug companies are not interested and have said so.
And here is the real fight as this is like the oil companies that frown on new found cars that has different technology. :mad:
3. The medical establishment and drug company establishment have already made some pretty deplorable personal attacks. Trying to block Denise Faustman's Research? (http://www.islet.org/forum/messages/36196.htm) I hope we are allowed to link to another forum, because this is an excellent synopsis.
Yes indeed. :(

4.In spite of the fact that the MGH Clinical Trials are in their beginning stages, they will go more quickly because of #1. If even a few autoimmune responses are removed, it will be a success. Hopefully our weird Killer T cells will also be eliminated (they are the target in this study.) There is reason for hope on this one.
I find this is the right approach to a cure and like the AIDS epidemic whare money is aplenty. We need money for this success. :)

[pegasus]

As I said, Lee Iacoca (for non-USers, he ran Chrysler and made bundles) is underwriting a lot of her work; I believe he had a relative w/diabetes, so while he obviously can't afford the whole thing, at least her spot seems secure. There is also a possibility that more money will be funneling into TB (therefore perhaps BCG)--the TB community is being organized by the WHO among other international organizations.

Believe me--I'm not the Pollyanna type; I've got all the crossed toes and fingers possible.

[fgummett]

Lee Iacocca lost his Wife to Diabetes in 1983 and started The Iacocca Foundation (http://www.iacoccafoundation.org/)

[DarthDiabetes]

Stem Cell Breakthrough Offers Diabetes Hope (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080403104403.htm)

[erich]

Thanks for the heads-up about this work, Here's the web page to apply for the Study,
the cut off age for the clinical study is 45, but I hope they will take me because at 53 I show no sign of any diabetic complications after 38 years with type 1.

Wish me luck
Cheers,
Erich




Determination of Dosing and Frequency of BCG Administration to Alter T-Lymphocyte Profiles in Type I Diabetics - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT00607230)

[Mich]

Hi Erich,

I donated blood for the development of the assay. I flew from California to Boston on my own dime because I believe in this work. While I was there in mid-March, the Phase 1 clinical trial was beginning. It is a double blind study and of course it is being done with very exacting standards. The Phase 1 recruited volunteers with a maximum age of 45. If you do a little digging a la Google, you will find that many are watching this study like a hawk. It is necessary that the study be done with very carefully .

Complications do not necessarily exclude a person from one of the clinical trials, although the use of some drugs or diseases can--also because of the exacting standards. They may actually choose certain types of complications as a qualifier for later studies. It is the aim of this treatment to cure even long-standing diabetes, rather than just treat the symptoms. The Phase II clinical trial is scheduled to begin in about 18 months.

The current clinical trials are to determine how much and in what order the BCG should be given. It has been known for a long time that one dose of BCG doesn't do the job on diabetes as it does in tuberculosis. There is also a factor in the success of the treatment process regarding blood sugar control during the drug's administration. This is all on the faustmanlab.com website. Also, their newest newsletter has just been released and may be posted on the website also.

The broader aim of this project os to find a way to stop other auto-immune conditions also. If these trials are able to get rid of any of the killer T cells and stop even one auto-immune condition it will be a success, although not the one we are all hoping for. If it eliminates the killer T cells that are destroying our beta cells as they form, even old timers like me may have a chance of re-growing them. It is a good avenue to explore.

Dr Faustman is a very smart,friendly and energetic person. She took time to discuss the study with my husband (who went as my "control" and also gave blood) and me, and make sure all of our questions were answered. Her staff was also friendly and helpful. The study will need more blood donations but because of recent publicity they are getting calls from all around the world. When I was there, appointments were signed up through early 2009.

Don't hesitate to donate blood. They also need non-diabetic control blood for the assays. Donations must be taken at Massachusetts General Hospital in Dr Faustman's lab and cannot be sent by your local lab. Faustman Lab (http://faustmanlab.com)

Mich

[Scrabblechick]

Many, many prayers that these trials will result in a cure for Type I, and maybe some new avenues of treatment for us Type 2s! To say nothing of those who suffer from other autoimmune diseases like lupus and MS. I hope the trials are wildly successful!

[It Ain't Over]

I had the very good fortune to start a nice five week long vacation four years ago with attendance at the Palm Springs announcement of this study. That featured both Lee Iaccoca and Denise Faustman.
I purchased the video tapes of that seminar and when I reviewed them I was struck with the attitude that was apparent then and is still very clear today on their part.
This is not a money making adventure for anyone there. They came across as truly wanting to cure diabetes. They have faced down the big monied organizations and are staying on course with a very promising and potentially inexpensive and readlily available source for a cure.
Dr Faustman has met the goals and remains on target. Of course the final outcome remains to be seen and no one is so foolish as to predict that they will cure us at any time. But this is a very exciting endeavor and it does offer hope for all of us in the community of diabetics.

[kessale]

COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES, METHODS OF USE, AND METHODS OF PREPARATION

esp@cenet description view (http://v3.espacenet.com/textdes?DB=EPODOC&IDX=WO2007141657&F=0&OREQ=0&&QPN=WO2007141657)

(WO/2007/141657) COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES, METHODS OF USE, AND METHODS OF PREPARATION (http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/ia.jsp?ia=IB2007%2F002292&IA=IB2007%2F002292&DISPLAY=DESC)

[nicole]

I don't know. Does this sound promising to any of you at all?
My boyfriend and I were talking about it and he says that the companies make too much money on the insulin, and all the other diabetic supplies and he thinks that they would never go ahead with a cure or anything in fear of losing all the money they make. And I had to argue with that. I believe that if enough people heard about it and fought for it, then we would finally win them over and get the cure we are all waiting for. My boyfriend also believes that they have already found a cure, but aren't saying anything because they don't want to release it. But I don't know if I would believe all that now.

And if that would be the case, then there selfish money hungry dogs.

I don't know, but I look forward to a cure within the next few years. I think they can do it.

[viranth]

I don't know. Does this sound promising to any of you at all?
My boyfriend and I were talking about it and he says that the companies make too much money on the insulin, and all the other diabetic supplies and he thinks that they would never go ahead with a cure or anything in fear of losing all the money they make. And I had to argue with that. I believe that if enough people heard about it and fought for it, then we would finally win them over and get the cure we are all waiting for. My boyfriend also believes that they have already found a cure, but aren't saying anything because they don't want to release it. But I don't know if I would believe all that now.

And if that would be the case, then there selfish money hungry dogs.

I don't know, but I look forward to a cure within the next few years. I think they can do it.

I believe that whoever get the cure first, will be insanely rich. Imagine all the countries that are willing to purchase this for their people...

Maybe the people making insulin etc will have less revenue, but people might still use insulin for shorter periods.

[nicole]

See thats what I think. They'll be all gung-ho about getting rich off the cure, because you know people will pay anything for that, well almost anything, because who wants to go around with diabetes for the rest of there lives when they know that there is a cure. So I dont see why they wouldn't approve it. Its not that promising to me though, because its not a for sure thing yet. When they get a little farther with it, then I'll take it into consideration, until then its just another hopeful event to me.

[brian4d]

I think there are a lot of VERY smart people working on a cure. I also know that Pharm. Companies are banking 50 billion a year on diabetic supplies alone... My heart tells me the Pharm. companies are trying as hard as they can to find a cure. But, the 50 billion per year loss would have a major economic impact. I see the good in everyone, I know there are many, many people dedicated to "a cure".

[shiftzor]

Pharmaceutical companies can try to fight a cure, however they aren't the ones funding the cure its the governments, universities and health organisations. They have a lot to gain from a cure and would save a lot of money at the same time. Only time will tell. ;)

[ferzan.lermiogl]

.......For Type 1's If Not Already Mentioned. :D


Canadian scientists reverse diabetes in mice (http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2006/12/14/diabetes-neuron.html)

We all hope a radical cure. However, it needs too much time to evaluate and confirm findings and to extrapolate to human.

[caoliveros]

Any one knows if human trials are already started?

[It Ain't Over]

The human trials began March 12, 2008 at Massachusets General Hospital. They are being conducted by David A Nathan MD.

[sweetlife]

The human trials began March 12, 2008 at Massachusets General Hospital. They are being conducted by David A Nathan MD.

Any update on human trials which began in March?Really keen to get some positive news on this front like all of you.:)

[Type I Tester]

OOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooo ME LIKEY

I wonder what spurned the research? This is very interesting indeed. If it can cure mice I wonder what it will do to a human being?

I volunteer to be tested! LOL

[Matt03]

If it works well and threatens the financial interests of the Pharma Mafia, they will cartainly drag their feet on the approval. Or ban it altogether.

Amen to that!! I have learned that money runs the pharmaceutical industry! Think of the substantial loss the drug industries will face if the cure comes to fruition. I say we find a cure ourselves by stealing their findings and calling it our own. THen we can determine to ""pass" it (within our lifetime).

[erich]

Hi List,

Is this "good news" , a protective side affect for us chronic insulin users from Alzheimer's?

I have averaged, maybe over the last 38 years to over dose my brain cells (hypoglycemia) at least once a weeks, if not twice a week. To me, hypoglycemia is defined as either;
1. feeling / thought confusion, visual sensations.
2. Clammy skin
3. sweat

4. Extreme dream like confusion, passing out, memory blackout, This has happened twice because traumatic shocks happened at a time of low sugar,


* Insulin may help treat Alzheimer's:
Scientists are reporting that a substance commonly
used to treat diabetes may also protect against
the devastating memory-robbing illness.

Insulin may help treat Alzheimer's: researchers (http://www.world-science.net/othernews/090202_alzheimers)

Cheers,
Erich

[Mich]

Science Daily report (one of many) regarding a study of COFFEE consumption and reduced rate of dementia/alzheimers in later life.

Midlife Coffee And Tea Drinking May Protect Against Late-life Dementia (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090114200005.htm)

[kessale]

A team of researchers from the Peninsula Medical School in the South West of England, the University of Brighton and the Department of Pathology at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, has found that a common family of viruses (enteroviruses) may play an important role in triggering the development of diabetes, particularly in children.

Study Of Human Pancreases Links Virus To Cause Of Type 1 Diabetes (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305141639.htm)

A common virus may be the trigger for the development of many cases of diabetes, particularly in children, UK researchers have reported.

BBC NEWS | Health | Virus 'triggers child diabetes' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7926026.stm)

Diabetes vaccine hope as virus link revealed

Two separate teams of British researchers found strong evidence that enterovirus infection can trigger the immune reaction which leads to insulin-dependent diabetes.

Diabetes vaccine hope as virus link revealed - Yorkshire Post (http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Diabetes-vaccine-hope-as-virus.5046989.jp)

[swedxa]

I saw an news interview on CNBC with the CEO of a company that says it's about to get approval for a super-fast-acting insulin they called Afresa that claims to reduce DKAs, hypos, "normal" high/low swings, and even weight gain, but I didn't find any mention of Afresa on the forums.

If they really did 12 clinical studies on thousands of patients, has anybody here heard of it, or better yet had an experience with it in the trials?

[frankcastle]

Having become a real cynical *******...i'll try not to hold my breath:)

you never know...

[Tribbles]

I saw an news interview on CNBC with the CEO of a company that says it's about to get approval for a super-fast-acting insulin they called Afresa that claims to reduce DKAs, hypos, "normal" high/low swings, and even weight gain, but I didn't find any mention of Afresa on the forums.

It's an inhaled rather than injected insulin and gets it's speed of action because it is absorbed into the blood stream through the lungs. They quote a 12 to 15 minute peak.

Link to information on their site (http://www.mannkindcorp.com/afresa-background.aspx)

[diabeticguy18]

I actually read this article maybe 3-5 days back, and I know this is resurrecting a realllllly old topic, but has anyone been following/keeping up to date on this?

[kingleonidas]

I pray for a cure, not just for diabetes, but for all of them. Why not??????????? we cured polio, eradicated smallpox, and have various other preventive shots, so why not diabetes?

[Azucar Amarga]

What about pancreas transplants...Does this exist? Can type 1 diabetics get a cure with this? I have never really heard of it before but its just a thought...

[Grunch]

What about pancreas transplants...Does this exist? Can type 1 diabetics get a cure with this? I have never really heard of it before but its just a thought...

The body's immune system would destroy the insulin producing cells in the new pancreas. If the person is not entirely compatible it would be even worse because the person could reject the entire pancreas, and not just the beta cells.