Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Type 1 Diabetes and Stem Cells: A Potential Cure

By Dr. Fran Cogen, Health Pro Monday, December 10, 2012
I try to write about different clinical topics as well as pertinent research in pediatric diabetes. Stem cells are a very hot topic in many areas of biology! Researchers are coaxing stem cells from organs other than the bone marrow (or from embryos) that are demonstrating amazing possibilities. One o...
Gretchen Becker, Health Guide
12/10/12 11:53am

Interesting. What do you think of the report that in type 2,  beta cells dedifferentiate and then differentiate into alpha cells?

 

 

Dr. Fran Cogen, Health Pro
12/10/12 5:08pm

None of this information surprises me at all. I have not seen that report. What journal?

Gretchen Becker, Health Guide
12/11/12 11:15am

http://www.cell.com/abstract/S0092-8674%2812%2900940-3

 

Dr. Fran Cogen, Health Pro
12/11/12 4:12pm

Thanks, Gretchen!

Dr. Fran Cogen, Health Pro
12/11/12 9:33pm

Gretchen: another example of plasticity- but it still is in mice! Waiting for human trials!

FC

12/10/12 12:53pm

And let's not forget a future with polymer based insulin, aka Smart Insulin!Smile

Dr. Fran Cogen, Health Pro
12/10/12 5:09pm

Yes, Anne- there is much research in terms of protecting transplanted islet cells with a polymer coating or other substance that will prevent the autoimmune attack!

 

12/11/12 4:43pm

I am the proud dad of a seven year old who has had Type 1 Diabetes since he was two years old. He is an amazing little man and I pray constantly that he will be cured from diabetes in his lifetime. This research is very promising and I pray that we will be beneficiaries of the successful trials and outcomes. We live in North Carolina and will go to wherever the cure may be. Please continue to your journey and think of my little man if and when you get discouraged. Thanks and Blessings to you.

Dr. Fran Cogen, Health Pro
12/11/12 9:24pm

Mr. Coles: thank you for taking the time to comment on this entry. I, too, am so proud of children like your son who demonstrate perseverence in spite of all the diabetes self-care skills required on a 24 hour basis. I am also so appreciative of the caregivers of these children and adolescents who provide constant support and love. Yes, I will think of your young man as I visit with my young patients tomorrow. I am also hoping there will be a cure by the time I retire. Perhaps it will be stem cells, smart insulin, polymerized beta cells, alpha1 antitrypsinase or in terms of care-the artificial pancreas.

Happy Holidays,

Dr. Cogen

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By Dr. Fran Cogen, Health Pro— Last Modified: 12/11/12, First Published: 12/10/12