Diabetes can it be cured

Diabetes is the major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke. The number of people affected by all types of diabetic disorders is now over four times higher than just 40 years ago. This has led the World Health Organization to consider diabetes an epidemic , predicting it will soon be the seventh biggest cause of death worldwide. Despite its huge impact, there is still no cure for any type of diabetes.

Most treatments help patients manage the symptoms to a certain extent, but diabetics still face multiple long-term health complications. Diabetes affects the regulation of insulin, a hormone required for glucose uptake in cells, resulting in high levels of blood sugar.

While there are some similarities in symptoms, the two main types of diabetes develop in different ways. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys insulin-producing beta-pancreatic cells.

In contrast, patients with type 2 diabetes develop insulin resistance, meaning that it has less and less effect on reducing blood sugar. The biotech industry has seen this opportunity and is striving to develop new diabetes treatments and chasing the holy grail: a cure. Although still in the very early stages of development, cell therapy is one of the biggest hopes towards developing a cure for diabetes, especially for type 1 diabetes. Replacing the missing insulin-producing cells could potentially recover normal insulin production and cure patients.

However, early attempts to transplant pancreatic cells have largely failed, mostly due to immune reactions that reject and destroy the implanted cells. The lack of donors is also a limitation.

One of the most advanced alternatives comes from the Diabetes Research Institute in the US, which is developing a bioengineered mini-organ where insulin-producing cells are encapsulated within a protective barrier.

After a phase I trial where the device proved safe, the company is now working on improving the engraftment of insulin-producing cells. Islexa, in the UK, is developing a similar procedure sourcing cells from the pancreas.

Doctors may prescribe one of these or a combination, depending on the severity and presentation of diabetes. Combination therapy is more expensive and has a higher risk of side effects but often has a more controlling impact on glucose. People with type 2 diabetes do not often need to take additional insulin. As insulin sensitivity, as opposed to insulin production, is the main issue for people with type 2, medication focusses on reducing blood sugar and improving absorption.

Read about the facts and myths of managing diabetes here. A study found that certain interventions can help put type 2 diabetes into remission, including:. Four months after the intervention, 40 percent of the subjects were able to stop taking their medications and remained in partial or complete remission.

Gestational diabetes is a type that develops during pregnancy and resolves after the birth of the child. Many diabetes medications adversely interact with a developing fetus, so speak to a doctor about pregnancy-safe alternatives for reducing blood sugar and boosting insulin. People with gestational diabetes must control sugar intake and engage in regular, light exercise. However, if this does not have the desired effect, the doctor may prescribe insulin to control blood sugar levels.

Very few high-quality studies confirm which non-insulin medications are safe for women and babies. The American Diabetes Association ADA advise against using them during pregnancy, although some doctors do prescribe them. An active lifestyle can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. A healthful diet and regular exercise are the first steps to managing type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss is the cornerstone of treatment for people with this condition. A study from has shown that increased physical activity and modest weight loss can reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes by up to 58 percent.

The article in Diabetes Care stated that people with type 2 diabetes should partake in minutes a week of aerobic activities, including:. Breaking physical activity into five minute sessions throughout the week can help a person manage this amount of exercise. This may be enough to help the body manage diabetes symptoms. A varied diet ensures the body receives all the nutrients it needs.

People should also eat fewer calories and try to eat similar amounts of carbohydrates at each meal. Foods high in polyunsaturated fats, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils, are also highly beneficial for keeping down blood sugar levels. A heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet, can be a highly effective way to structure an eating plan to reduce the risk or effects of diabetes.

If dietary changes and exercise are not possible or successful, a person can achieve weight loss through bariatric surgery. However, this is the last line treatment for people with morbid obesity for whom no other treatment options have been successful.

But, after decades of studying the disease, have we found a cure? There are 2 types of diabetes. The first type, called Type 1 diabetes, is an auto-immune disease caused by cellular problems in the pancreas. But our scientists across the UK aren't finished. Will you donate today and help us lead the fight against diabetes? A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with no.

Skip to main navigation Skip to content.