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Type 1s Live Insulin-Free For Up to Two Years, Thanks to Transplanted Human Islet Cells... But There's a Catch
Researchers believe that immunosuppressants may have an effect on how long transplanted islet cells can function before losing their effectiveness.
HealthDay reports that according to a University of Miami study, people with type 1 diabetes who received transplanted islet cells from human donors lived insulin-free for up to two years.
The bad news is that the patients must take immunosuppressant drugs for the rest of their lives, even as the functionality of the transplanted cells almost totally declines.
The good news is that even after the patients resume using insulin, their metabolic control tends to be better than before the transplants.
The study, by the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, used continuous glucose monitoring to track blood glucose levels in 25 patients, 12 of whom received islet cell transplants and 13 of whom acted as study controls.
Candidates for the study were type 1s who had experienced poor blood sugar control and severe recurrent hypoglycemic episodes.
After the transplants, patients stayed insulin-free for an average of 18 months. Forty percent of the study’s subjects were insulin-free at 24 months. Their A1c levels improved dramatically, from an average of 7.6% before transplantation to 5.5% within 90 days afterward.
When the effect of the transplants wore off, patients who had to return to taking insulin used significantly less than before and had considerably fewer episodes of hypoglycemia.
Researchers believe that immunosuppressants may have an effect on how long transplanted islet cells can function before losing their effectiveness. If so, the search is on for drugs with a much less drastic effect.
Categories: A1c Test, Blood Glucose, Blood Sugar, Diabetes, Diabetes, Hospital Care, Insulin, Low Blood Sugar, Medications, Type 1 Issues
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May 30, 2008
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Diabetes Health
Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes- both newly diagnosed and experienced as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues.
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Topics
- Diabetic / Diabetes Health
- Type 1 / 1.5 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood Glucose / Sugar
- High/Low Blood Sugar / Fast Acting Glucose
- Insulin- Pumps, Pens & Syringes
- Continuous Glucose Monitors, CGM, Infusion Sets
- Type 2 Medications
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
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