Treating Type 1 Diabetes Could Be as Easy as Eliminating One Hormone

Unlike diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes), type 1 diabetes develops as the result of an autoimmune disorder. For unknown reasons, the body launches an attack on the pancreas that results in the destruction of the beta cells responsible for producing insulin. This results in the pancreas producing no or very little insulin. It is a potentially life threatening condition that commonly onsets in adolescence.

There is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Lifetime treatment traditionally consists of insulin injections, diet, and exercise. However, researchers studying the disease at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have reported that they may found a way to treat type 1 diabetes by turning off the hormone glucagon.

Glucagon is also secreted by the pancreas and used to prevent blood sugar levels from getting too low. Unfortunately, in people who are not able to produce insulin to control their blood sugar, the glucagon only elevates it. The researchers found that if they genetically altered diabetic animals to stop producing glucagon then insulin was not needed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

This discovery could lead to new treatments for type 1 diabetes that did not require the use of daily insulin injections. In the meantime, diabetics have a number of options available to help them manage their blood sugar levels. This includes following a healthy diet, exercising, and using supplements such as cinnamon, chromium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Type 1 diabetes affects 1 in 400 children in America. More information about type 1 and cutting edge treatments available can be found at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.