During the course of many decades, scientists have labored over researching why the pancreas ceases to produce insulin or why the insulin it does produce is ineffective to the body. There is however one discovery. A mutant gene passed through the ages from our ancestors may be the cause of this phenomenon. Other possible causes include:
Potbelly/Over Weight Stress/Anxiety Infections of the Pancreas, Genetics Inactivity Cholesterol/Triglyceride Elevations
You will find that most risk factors responsible for diabetes are also factors that exist for heart disease.
Insulin is a hormone the pancreas secretes. As the glucose levels in the body rise, the insulin is converted into energy the body uses as fuel. In a diabetic, the pancreas produces either insufficient amounts of insulin or produces insulin that is ineffective in the body. Symptoms of this include polyuria or frequent urination as well as polydipsia or excessive thirst.
How the body reacts to insufficient insulin:
Resistance to insulin is described as the body producing sufficient amounts of insulin but is not using appropriately. Another type of diabetes is where the insulin produced does not allow for glucose levels to be raised and the body can not convert it into much needed energy.
Can it be cured?
Unfortunately there is at present no cure. However, scientists and physicians are exploring many new, exciting, experimental procedures which have shown a very positive success rate. These new procedures include;
Pancreatic Transplant: For those with uncontrolled Type 1 DM, but have a functioning kidney. Thankfully, these patients no longer need insulin injections to keep them alive. Additionally, their risks for developing complications associated with diabetes are greatly decreased.
Kidney/Pancreas Transplant: Reserved for patients who have substantial kidney failure as well as uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes. This surgical procedure allows the patient to be free of dialysis treatments and insulin injections. Patients who avoid rejecting their organs in the first year after surgery have a greater likelihood of non-rejection for 10 years and more.
Transplant of Islets: Islets of Langerhans are beta cells in the pancreas. While this procedure is still in its clinical trial, it involves the islets of a deceased donor to be injected into a diabetic patients liver. Once completed, the cells begin to produce insulin which the body uses to regulate blood sugar levels.
In a study of patients who received islet transplants, five out of thirty-six still remain free of the need for insulin two years after the procedure. Although these procedures are experimental and not yet approved by the FDA, they have all shown positive results.
Experimental surgeries, studies and research will continue with vigor until a cure is found. But, for those living with diabetes, simple lifestyle changes can ensure a long, productive happy life until scientists can discover the cure they know is out there.
Potbelly/Over Weight Stress/Anxiety Infections of the Pancreas, Genetics Inactivity Cholesterol/Triglyceride Elevations
You will find that most risk factors responsible for diabetes are also factors that exist for heart disease.
Insulin is a hormone the pancreas secretes. As the glucose levels in the body rise, the insulin is converted into energy the body uses as fuel. In a diabetic, the pancreas produces either insufficient amounts of insulin or produces insulin that is ineffective in the body. Symptoms of this include polyuria or frequent urination as well as polydipsia or excessive thirst.
How the body reacts to insufficient insulin:
Resistance to insulin is described as the body producing sufficient amounts of insulin but is not using appropriately. Another type of diabetes is where the insulin produced does not allow for glucose levels to be raised and the body can not convert it into much needed energy.
Can it be cured?
Unfortunately there is at present no cure. However, scientists and physicians are exploring many new, exciting, experimental procedures which have shown a very positive success rate. These new procedures include;
Pancreatic Transplant: For those with uncontrolled Type 1 DM, but have a functioning kidney. Thankfully, these patients no longer need insulin injections to keep them alive. Additionally, their risks for developing complications associated with diabetes are greatly decreased.
Kidney/Pancreas Transplant: Reserved for patients who have substantial kidney failure as well as uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes. This surgical procedure allows the patient to be free of dialysis treatments and insulin injections. Patients who avoid rejecting their organs in the first year after surgery have a greater likelihood of non-rejection for 10 years and more.
Transplant of Islets: Islets of Langerhans are beta cells in the pancreas. While this procedure is still in its clinical trial, it involves the islets of a deceased donor to be injected into a diabetic patients liver. Once completed, the cells begin to produce insulin which the body uses to regulate blood sugar levels.
In a study of patients who received islet transplants, five out of thirty-six still remain free of the need for insulin two years after the procedure. Although these procedures are experimental and not yet approved by the FDA, they have all shown positive results.
Experimental surgeries, studies and research will continue with vigor until a cure is found. But, for those living with diabetes, simple lifestyle changes can ensure a long, productive happy life until scientists can discover the cure they know is out there.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and featured health writer on Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Diabetes and Diet and Diabetes Causes.
