Diabetes is a disorder that affects more and more people each year, and
causes alterations in their lifestyles. If diabetes goes untreated it can
often lead to numbness of feet, loss of eyesight, nerve damage and even
death. In order to control their condition, diabetics often must take
insulin injections twice daily and monitor their blood sugar levels
closely. Within the past few years some promising alternative treatments
are being developed, which boast of eliminating insulin injections, and
easing the burden for caregivers of diabetics in the process. New
technology such as stem cell therapy and inhaled insulin are proposed
viable alternatives that when approved will drastically change the
management of diabetes for the better.
Stem cell therapy is still in its development stage, but the clinical
evidence has provided some proof to the theory that using viable stem
cells and injecting them with proteins can in fact trigger an insulin
response. While these studies have yet to be tested on humans, the belief
is that within 5 years, diabetes can be controlled and in some cases
totally alleviated. The key is whether or not these stem cells are able to
recognize glucose-binding sites within cells and allow for an insulin
response. This could take a huge burden off of diabetics and the
caregivers, for it would mean no more injections, and fewer chances for
high and low blood sugar reactions. Despite opposition from reputable
companies and foundations, research has recently found an adult stem cell
that could in fact promote insulin production in the body immediately upon
binding to glucose. Research will continue and although still a few years
from implementation, this form of treatment could be the answer
diabetic’s need.
Inhaled insulin is a treatment that allows insulin to be administered
by breathing in of a dry powdered form of the drug using an apparatus
similar to an asthma inhaler. This insulin goes directly into the lungs,
and then is distributed into the bloodstream. A few concerns exist with
this recent advancement, including maintaining accuracy of the amount of
insulin inhaled each time, and possible problems if used when smoking or
if the person has a cold or other respiratory infection which can throw
off the insulin’s effect. In clinical trials, an over 80% success rate
was seen in Type 1 diabetics, and it was found that blood sugars remained
consistent compared to injected insulin. While this form of technology is
still working out the kinks, again the user and caregiver could benefit
from a reliable, convenient source of insulin that can be carried
anywhere.
Most diabetics today choose the form of treatment they feel works best
for them, but if convenience and the possible cure for diabetes are
possible, these treatments may be the treatments of choice in the future.
Caregivers and diabetics should not rejoice just yet, but they should be
encouraged for the future of diabetes. With the right diet and lifestyle
now, diabetics have promising news to look towards, and in the end they
could reap the benefits of no more injections!
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