March 8, 2021

Is There a Cure For Type 1 Diabetes

Read on to learn all about cutting-edge efforts to cure diabetes - and how you can stay healthy in the meantime.


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Is There a Cure For Type 1 Diabetes

Home / Living with Diabetes / Is There a Cure For Type 1 Diabetes

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Is There A Cure For Type 1 Diabetes? 

If you have diabetes, you know this disease is currently impossible to cure. While a combination of oral medications, insulin, dietary changes, exercise, and other steps can help you manage diabetes, it’s still something you have to live with every day of your life. 

Fortunately, that could be about to change. Researchers at the University of Alberta recently made a breakthrough allowing them to cure this condition in mice – a method that could possibly be used in humans. If research progresses as these scientists hope it will, this could be a game changer.  

However, there’s still a long way to go before that happens (if it actually does). As this work continues to take place, it’s more important than ever for you to take positive steps towards managing your diabetes. Read on to learn all about cutting-edge efforts to cure diabetes – and how you can stay healthy in the meantime. 

The Project to Cure Diabetes 

In December 2020, Dr. James Shapiro – the head scientist for the University of Alberta’s diabetes project – spoke with Saskatoon-based radio station 650 CKOM about his research. As part of this interview, he summarized what his team had done and what their findings could lead to in the future. 

The research done by Shapiro focuses on newly-developed techniques involving stem cells. These techniques have allowed researchers to essentially “reprogram” a patient’s blood cells into cells capable of producing insulin 

“They allow cells to go back to their original state, like they would be – they’re re-set in a sense – like they would be in a very tiny, early embryo. And then we can wind those cells forward in time…we can do that over 27 days. We can turn these cells into human cells that produce insulin just like they would inside the pancreas,” Shapiro said. 

In early tests, these cells have been transplanted into mice – and their diabetes has been reversed. The team hopes to see similar results in human patients down the line, but needs additional time and money before these tests can take place. Currently, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation of Canada aims to raise $22 million in support of Shapiro’s continued research by 2022. 

The Importance of Diabetes Management 

Needless to say, this development is a positive one – and one that could have massive repercussions for people with diabetes someday. That said, it’s important to remember that “someday” doesn’t mean “today.” While this research continues, there are a number of simple steps you can take to treat your diabetes. 

First of all, if you suspect you may have diabetes but haven’t actually been diagnosed, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They can help you get tested for diabetes if they think it’s necessary. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, they’ll also work with you to develop a treatment plan. This plan could feature: 

  • Medications (potentially including insulin) 
  • Dietary changes/carbohydrate counting 
  • An exercise regimen 
  • Regular testing of glucose levels 

Get The Diabetes Supplies You Need 

After being diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll also need quite a few diabetes testing supplies to help you manage the disease.

Lancets - TruePlus Safety Lancet Needle 33 Gauge

Diabetes Testing Supplies

Depending on your situation, your needs might include: 

Looking for a company to provide these supplies and more? If so, US MED has got you covered. We’re a highly qualified medical supply provider, and we’ve built a strong reputation over the years – including accreditations by the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare, the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission, and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. 

If you’d like to start ordering supplies from US MED, take a look at our full catalog here! 

Shirley DeLeon Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist

Medical Review by Shirley DeLeon, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

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