Many of us may think that most people can control or cure their diabetes simply by cutting down on sugary food and doing a little bit more exercise. These people are unaware that there is more than one type of diabetes. People living with type 1 diabetes can only control their condition, which isn't caused by lifestyle factors, by administering insulin on a daily basis.
So just how close are we to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes? Research teams across the world are doing their best to develop solutions, but many procedures are still highly experimental. One method researchers hope to improve on is pancreas transplants, or the transplanting of pancreatic beta cells.
Many people are optimistic that finding a cure for type 1 diabetes isn't a question of 'if' but 'when'. In fact, cutting edge research at the moment is exploring how the transplantation of pancreatic beta cells could help someone with type 1 diabetes begin to make their own insulin. It is hoped the findings will lead scientist down the road that will bring them to a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Of course, this research can only be carried out if there is funding available for the highly trained scientists who do it. Criticism has been directed towards some governments, including the UK government, for not providing enough funding to combat type 1 diabetes.
Meanwhile, funding that does end up being allocated specifically to type 1 research cannot be spent solely on trying to find a cure. It must also be spent on research that seeks to find better ways of managing the condition, preventing it or treating its complications. So while we're closer than ever before to finding a cure, it won't be found until we seriously invest in the research necessary.
So just how close are we to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes? Research teams across the world are doing their best to develop solutions, but many procedures are still highly experimental. One method researchers hope to improve on is pancreas transplants, or the transplanting of pancreatic beta cells.
Many people are optimistic that finding a cure for type 1 diabetes isn't a question of 'if' but 'when'. In fact, cutting edge research at the moment is exploring how the transplantation of pancreatic beta cells could help someone with type 1 diabetes begin to make their own insulin. It is hoped the findings will lead scientist down the road that will bring them to a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Of course, this research can only be carried out if there is funding available for the highly trained scientists who do it. Criticism has been directed towards some governments, including the UK government, for not providing enough funding to combat type 1 diabetes.
Meanwhile, funding that does end up being allocated specifically to type 1 research cannot be spent solely on trying to find a cure. It must also be spent on research that seeks to find better ways of managing the condition, preventing it or treating its complications. So while we're closer than ever before to finding a cure, it won't be found until we seriously invest in the research necessary.
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