Aussie Researchers Uncover Breakthrough Approach to Combat Diabetes

A team of scientists from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne have made a breakthrough that could eliminate the requirement for daily insulin injections. The development is particularly important for type 1 diabetes patients, representing about 10% of all diabetes cases in Australia, who must routinely inject insulin due to the immune system destroying their pancreatic cells. In trials, these cells reacted to glucose and produced insulin within 48 hours when triggered by small molecule inhibitors present in drugs. The scientists believe this therapy could also aid the 30% of Australians with type 2 diabetes who might eventually require insulin injections. According to the team, this regenerative approach signifies a significant stride towards clinical development. Both kids and adults can develop diabetes, the causes of which remain largely unknown. Typical treatments currently available involve daily insulin injections or an insulin pump or pancreas transplant. Type 2 diabetes arises when the body becomes resistant to insulin, requiring the pancreas to compensate by producing higher amounts of insulin, which eventually leads to type 2 diabetes. The scientists are optimistic that their regenerative therapy could help to address the severe donor organ shortage and offer hope to people with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. The diabetes epidemic in Australia affects nearly two million people, with over 120,000 new cases last year. Worldwide, the figure is forecasted to rise from 530 million to 643 million by 2030. The new study's potential to improve the living conditions for those with diabetes has been commended by Sof Andrikopoulos, chief executive of the Australian Diabetes Society, and also welcomed by Diabetes Australia due to its potential for transforming lives and offering hope to millions of Australians living with or at high risk of developing diabetes.