Discovery of insulin more than 80
years ago was a miracle; and treatment of diabetes with insulin injections
saved lives of millions of people in the world. Insulin administration,
however, is not a cure.
Scientists are actively engaged in
finding a cure for diabetes and related complications. A few of the many
remarkable advances made recently and some ongoing promising efforts in
diabetes research are noted below.
GENE RESEARCH.
It is believed that several genes are involved in causing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Researchers are trying to identify all these genes. A better understanding of these genes will be helpful in prevention, treatment, and cure of diabetes.
Researchers have made some progress
in discovering the genetic connection of diabetes and its complications:
Type 1 Diabetes.
A gene known as HLA (human leukocyte antigens) has several types or variations. Scientists have learned that the disease type of this gene is present in about 85 to 90 percent of people with type 1 diabetes. This gene is strongly associated with the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in absolute insulin deficiency.
This knowledge will enable the
scientists to develop methods to prevent or slow down destruction of insulin
producing cells, thereby reducing the occurrence of type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes.
Because type 2 diabetes is closely associated with obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormality in blood cholesterol and other blood fats, it has been difficult to identify the specific gene responsible for causing type 2diabetes. Scientists are using advanced technology for genetic analysis to discover the exact gene or genes that increase the risk for the development of type 2 diabetes.
Recently, a gene named Calpain 10
has been shown to contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes in Mexican
Americans. Research is exploring if this gene is also involved in other
populations in causing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Complications.
Many research studies are in progress to discover how to overcome diabetes complications.
Two research efforts related with
the genetic connection of these complications are:
A diabetes research program aims to
develop gene therapy in which a gene will be delivered in the patient’s body that
will increase or decrease growth factors to treat diabetes complications. For
example, to improve blood circulation to the heart and brain and reduce nerve
damage in the legs and feet caused by diabetes, the gene will be transferred in
the patient’s body to stimulate growth of new blood vessels. Or, to prevent the
growth of easily breakable vessels in diabetic eye diseases and reduce the risk
for blindness, a gene will be transferred in the patient's eye that will block
the growth factors in the diabetic eye.
Research has recently shown that
diabetic kidney disease runs in families. The National Institutes of Health
(NIH) has designed a study named Family Investigation of Nephropathy and
Diabetes (FIND). This study aims to identify the gene responsible for the
development of kidney and diabetic eye complications in people with type 1 and
type 2 diabetes.
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