During the course of many decades, scientists have labored over researching why the pancreas ceases to produce insulin or why the insulin it does produce is ineffective to the body. There is however one discovery. A mutant gene passed through the ages from our ancestors may be the cause of this phenomenon. Other possible causes include:
Potbelly/Over Weight Stress/Anxiety Infections of the Pancreas, Genetics Inactivity Cholesterol/Triglyceride Elevations
You will find that most risk factors responsible for diabetes are also factors that exist for heart disease.
Diabetes is the increased levels of blood glucose levels in the body caused by insufficient insulin or production or ineffective insulin. The effects of this are frequent urination or polyuria and excessive thirst or polydipsia. A hormone secreted by the pancreas, insulin raises glucose levels which are then turned into energy the body uses as fuel.
The body's reaction to insufficient insulin:
When insulin is produced but the body fails to use it appropriately, it is said the body is resistant to insulin. A second reaction is when the body does not produce enough insulin to change glucose into energy. In both cases the insulin is inefficient and causes blood glucose levels to rise in the blood.
Is there a cure?
Unfortunately there is at present no cure. However, scientists and physicians are exploring many new, exciting, experimental procedures which have shown a very positive success rate. These new procedures include;
Pancreatic Transplant: For those with uncontrolled Type 1 DM, but have a functioning kidney. Thankfully, these patients no longer need insulin injections to keep them alive. Additionally, their risks for developing complications associated with diabetes are greatly decreased.
Kidney/Pancreas Transplant: Reserved for patients who have substantial kidney failure as well as uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes. This surgical procedure allows the patient to be free of dialysis treatments and insulin injections. Patients who avoid rejecting their organs in the first year after surgery have a greater likelihood of non-rejection for 10 years and more.
Transplant of Islets: Islets of Langerhans are beta cells in the pancreas. While this procedure is still in its clinical trial, it involves the islets of a deceased donor to be injected into a diabetic patients liver. Once completed, the cells begin to produce insulin which the body uses to regulate blood sugar levels.
In a study of patients who received islet transplants, five out of thirty-six still remain free of the need for insulin two years after the procedure. Although these procedures are experimental and not yet approved by the FDA, they have all shown positive results.
Searching for a cure for diabetes is an on-going battle. However, scientists are hopeful that a cure will present itself in the not so distant future as modern medicine continues to make advances. Until then, lifestyle changes for those with diabetes is a great start to living a long, healthy and productive life despite having this damaging disease.
Potbelly/Over Weight Stress/Anxiety Infections of the Pancreas, Genetics Inactivity Cholesterol/Triglyceride Elevations
You will find that most risk factors responsible for diabetes are also factors that exist for heart disease.
Diabetes is the increased levels of blood glucose levels in the body caused by insufficient insulin or production or ineffective insulin. The effects of this are frequent urination or polyuria and excessive thirst or polydipsia. A hormone secreted by the pancreas, insulin raises glucose levels which are then turned into energy the body uses as fuel.
The body's reaction to insufficient insulin:
When insulin is produced but the body fails to use it appropriately, it is said the body is resistant to insulin. A second reaction is when the body does not produce enough insulin to change glucose into energy. In both cases the insulin is inefficient and causes blood glucose levels to rise in the blood.
Is there a cure?
Unfortunately there is at present no cure. However, scientists and physicians are exploring many new, exciting, experimental procedures which have shown a very positive success rate. These new procedures include;
Pancreatic Transplant: For those with uncontrolled Type 1 DM, but have a functioning kidney. Thankfully, these patients no longer need insulin injections to keep them alive. Additionally, their risks for developing complications associated with diabetes are greatly decreased.
Kidney/Pancreas Transplant: Reserved for patients who have substantial kidney failure as well as uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes. This surgical procedure allows the patient to be free of dialysis treatments and insulin injections. Patients who avoid rejecting their organs in the first year after surgery have a greater likelihood of non-rejection for 10 years and more.
Transplant of Islets: Islets of Langerhans are beta cells in the pancreas. While this procedure is still in its clinical trial, it involves the islets of a deceased donor to be injected into a diabetic patients liver. Once completed, the cells begin to produce insulin which the body uses to regulate blood sugar levels.
In a study of patients who received islet transplants, five out of thirty-six still remain free of the need for insulin two years after the procedure. Although these procedures are experimental and not yet approved by the FDA, they have all shown positive results.
Searching for a cure for diabetes is an on-going battle. However, scientists are hopeful that a cure will present itself in the not so distant future as modern medicine continues to make advances. Until then, lifestyle changes for those with diabetes is a great start to living a long, healthy and productive life despite having this damaging disease.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a Licensed Registered Nurse who loves to write and share her knowledge about Diabetes Prevention with others. She also provides more information about Diabetes Facts on Clivir.com.
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