Examining Current Research Trends for Diabetes, Part 2

What is the future for Diabetes?  It has become what is frequently being called "epidemic proportions".  But still there is great hope in a number of research breakthroughs that could slow, and even end this epidemic.

Before you take any action that is contrary to your doctor's advice, you must discuss any questions concerning these "cutting edge" trends with him.  Remember that, though there have been great advances in the last few years, much more study is required before anyone can announce a cure, or even a more effective treatment.

In this article we will address the treatments for, and possible future cures for diabetes.

Treatments for Diabetes

There is growing excitement in the area of improved treatments for diabetes.  There are significant strides being made in this avenue, including implantable insulin pumps, insulin inhalers, oral insulin medication, and new, faster acting insulin. There is also progress being made in monitoring blood glucose levels, with developments in "pain-free" testing systems, and even continuous monitoring systems, that could worn like a wrist-watch.

The biggest gains, though, at this time has been islet cell transplants and gene therapy.  However, these advances are only effective for those with Type 1 diabetes, and have been found to be generally ineffective for those with Type 2 diabetes.

For those with Type 2 diabetes, there is hope through identifying a protein and neuropeptide called VGF which appears to play a key role in regulating energy levels and metabolism which results in an increase in the body's resistance to weight-gain.  This discovery could eventually result in a "diet" medication that could help regulate weight, particularly for those that are elderly, handicapped or otherwise incapable of proper exercise.

Cures for Diabetes?

So, are there cures for diabetes on the horizon?  Some researchers think so.  The best chances for a cure, or actually "cures" since Type 1 and Type 2 are significantly different from each other, appears to be in 3 separate developments.

For Type 1 diabetes, the primary focus is on the development of a vaccine that can be included in the vaccination cycle of a child that contains peptides that stops the destruction of pancreatic cells.  This would mean that the pancreas would continue to be able to produce insulin, thereby, "curing" the primary cause for Type 1 diabetes.  The greatest hope for existing Type 1 cases, however, remains islet cell transplantation, transplanting cells from a healthy pancreas into the damaged pancreas, thereby increasing insulin production.

For Type 2 diabetes, the brightest star seems to be a recently discovered protein, called GPR120.  The primary function of this protein is to stimulate the release of a natural peptide, which then stimulates a greater production of insulin.

There are several food supplement manufacturer's which claim that proper nutrition is the best hope for reversing and even curing diabetes.  Although there are no official endorsements of this claim, it may have some merit.  Since it appears that nutrition may be a leading factor in the development of diabetes, it stands to reason that it may also be the cure.

In particular, it has been determined that the mineral Chromium does help in regulating blood sugar, and the mineral Vanadium increases insulin sensitivity, the major issue with Type 2 diabetes.  Studies also indicate that Magnesium is commonly below normal in people with diabetes.

Though there is no cure yet for diabetes, researchers are encouraged by the discoveries made over the past few years.  And there is hope that there will be improved treatments and even cures for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in the not too distant future.

For now, the best proven ways to control diabetes is through diet and exercise, and these methods cannot be forsaken. As a diabetic, you may look to the future with hope for an active and healthy life.