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180 Comments
- Neiby, on 10/12/2007, -1/+104This is freaking amazing... If it turns out to work well in humans, this could be one of the biggest medical breakthroughs ever. It would immediately change the lives of millions of people for the better.
- Thud, on 10/12/2007, -9/+83The article only said that it might work on Canadians... we don't know yet if it will also work on humans.
- thatsmyaibo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+48This is amazing news and great to hear since my family has a history of type 1 diabetes. I just hope it doesn't take a decade to get FDA approved and go through the test and production process.
- Rosco, on 10/12/2007, -0/+39I've had Type 1 diabetes since 1979, and although this sounds like great news I'm still reluctant to rejoice about it yet. I look at it this way, the pharmaceutical companies have been making an assload of money from people like me and I have the feeling they would not like their gravy train suddenly disappearing overnight. Can you imagine, all of a sudden the sales of insulin, syringes, glucose testers, test strips and everything else required by us Type 1 diabetics suddenly declines? I will watch this with cautious optimism. If this really pans out, it would be nice to see the FDA expedite its approval, but you know damn well who puts a lot of money in the FDA's pockets. Look how fast something like Viagra was approved.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -4/+37+1 for Canada!
- FearlessFreep, on 10/12/2007, -4/+32"On a side note... where do they get all those diabetic Mice?"
They were the survivors of the 'twinkie overeating' experiment - NikoKun, on 10/12/2007, -0/+28Yah I have a step dad that this could help... hope they actually get it working for humans (and approved)
On a side note... where do they get all those diabetic Mice? O_o; - becominglumberg, on 10/12/2007, -2/+29"On a side note... where do they get all those diabetic Mice? O_o;"
Disney world. You don't think being a 200lb. mouse is healthy, do you? - xcanadian, on 10/12/2007, -4/+30Thud-
The article only said that it might work on Canadians... we don't know yet if it will also work on humans.
Good point Thud. I hope it works on Canadians AND lesser life forms. - techmoney, on 10/12/2007, -8/+34I don't mean to be a big cynic here but we've been promised cures for a long time now. Can anyone think of a disease that's been cured in the past 20 years? 50 years? The pharmaceutical companies and healthcare industries make money when people stay sick so why produce a cure. Sounds cold hearted but that's business.
On lighter note here is a short documentary on curing type 2 diabetes through diet changes.
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-1407054601065907544&q=30+days+diabetes - glmory, on 10/12/2007, -0/+22About 90% of drugs fail in clinical trials. However this is at least promising. Once it is repeated by another group, and studies show similar results in humans then ill start getting excited...
- Black913Hole, on 10/12/2007, -1/+23But, even if it isnt a cure, the submitter sure isnt to blame because he put a question mark in the title.
- thcobbs, on 10/12/2007, -4/+22It will... just like most other treatments.
If not just for FDA approval, they don't want to be sued out of existence because they "rushed" the clinical trials.
Thank all the lawyers for the second part. - glmory, on 10/12/2007, -0/+13A vaccine that will eliminate HPV was just released this last year.
Chicken Pox is a thing of the past if the vaccine created about a decade is used widely enough.
It was discovered that ulcers can be cured by antibiotics within the last decade or so.
Another that has been pretty much eliminated in the past 50 years leprosy.
There are more examples, but there are two in the past decade or so. Its not like there haven't been people trying.
Really the only diseases that get eliminated are usually done so when vaccines are created. Antibiotics being the one big exception to that rule. - manicdvln, on 10/12/2007, -1/+14You seem to think that pharmaceutical companies are all butt buddies and they all fix pirces together or some crap like that.
Here is a reality check for you, pharmaceutical industry is fierce, if someone does find a cure, guess who is going to make billions out of it? Guess who will make billions on patents as well? Guess how much money all those investors will make? Guess what will happen to all other companies in the world who were trying to find cure for the same disease.
In pharmaceuticals, whoever gets there first will pretty much have monopoly over the cure. - mikexstudios, on 10/12/2007, -0/+12Link to paper from the Cell journal:
http://www.cell.com/content/article/abstract?uid=PIIS0092867406014656 - legacyboy, on 10/12/2007, -1/+12I have never been 'fat' when I got sick I was 5' 10" and 150 pounds,
go get educated before you make a statement like that.
=================================
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Main article: Diabetes mellitus type 1
Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), childhood diabetes, or juvenile-onset diabetes - is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas leading to a deficiency of insulin. It should be noted that there is no known preventative measure which can be taken to avoid type 1 diabetes. Most people affected by type 1 diabetes are otherwise healthy and of a healthy weight when onset occurs. Diet and exercise cannot reverse or prevent type 1 diabetes. Sensitivity and responsiveness to insulin are usually normal, especially in the early stages. This type comprises up to 10% of total cases in North America and Europe, though this varies by geographical location. This type of diabetes can affect children or adults, but has traditionally been termed "juvenile diabetes" because it represents a majority of cases of diabetes affecting children. The most common cause of beta cell loss leading to type 1 diabetes is autoimmune destruction, accompanied by antibodies directed against insulin and islet cell proteins. The principal treatment of type 1 diabetes, even from the earliest stages, is replacement of insulin. Without insulin, ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis can develop and coma or death will result.
Currently, type 1 diabetes can be treated only with insulin, with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels using blood testing monitors. Emphasis is also placed on lifestyle adjustments (diet and exercise). Apart from the common subcutaneous injections, it is also possible to deliver insulin via a pump, which allows continuous infusion of insulin 24 hours a day at preset levels, and the ability to program a push dose (a bolus) of insulin as needed at meal times. This is at the expense of an indwelling subcutaneous catheter. It is also possible to deliver insulin via an inhaled powder.
Type 1 treatment must be continued indefinitely at present. Treatment does not impair normal activities, if sufficient awareness, appropriate care, and discipline in testing and medication. The average glucose level for the type 1 patient should be as close to normal (80–120 mg/dl, 4–6 mmol/l) as possible. Some physicians suggest up to 140–150 mg/dl (7-7.5 mmol/l) for those having trouble with lower values, such as frequent hypoglycemic events. Values above 200 mg/dl (10 mmol/l) are often accompanied by discomfort and frequent urination leading to dehydration. Values above 300 mg/dl (15 mmol/l) usually require immediate treatment and may lead to ketoacidosis. Low levels of blood glucose, called hypoglycemia, may lead to seizures or episodes of unconsciousness.
======================= - Xtapalatakettle, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13The Scientists don't promise a cure. It's the media that take the results and twist it into a sensational headline.
- neoform, on 10/12/2007, -5/+15What's that?
Proper education system and lack of stem cell deterring laws... help medical research?
No way! - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11Kudos Canada, my Nan died 2 yrs ago because of the disease. I'm just glad other grandmothers may have a chance now to spend time with there loved ones longer and grand children
God, Bless CANADA - codyfrisch, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10Please do not associate diabetes with being fat. Type II diabetes is related to weight but its not simply caused by being overweight, and in fact contributes to being overweight. It's a vicious cycle.
However this new study is primarily geared toward Type I diabetes, which if you read the article is caused by either A) auto-immune disorder or B) nervous system problems. Type I does require people manage their weight because it reduces the compounding effects of Type I diabetes. But its not caused by being over weight, nor is it caused by eating too many sweets.
I really did take offense at your attitude about it, my mother is Type I diabetic, as is much of her family. Its genetic. Two of my ex girlfriends were Type II diabetic, yes they needed to lose weight, and were trying. But guess what Type II diabetes makes losing weigh very very very difficult to do. This is because your body loses the ability to utilize glucose, and as a result it gets stored as fat. It's not about exercise and eating right entirely, those are important but those alone don't just magically make the person lose weight. Without the medications we do have now, their bodies don't even have to ability to use glucose, which means they can't burn calories and don't have energy to exercise.
So while I know they need to lose weight, don't act like "if they would just get off their fat asses they'd be fine." they won't just be fine. Sorry I'm being mean but i was offended deeply by your comments - NanoStuff, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10Right on time too, my mouse can now live a happy full life.
- MemoryDump, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10I'm going to buy stock in some chocolate companies right now!
This will be awsome if it works on humans! - geminitojanus, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10Polio is the obvious one, though there have been advances made against many viruses and bacterias thanks to vaccines being made against them. For example, a disease of our childhoods, Chicken Pox, our children should never have to go through; we have vaccines against it now, saving us from the itching and the terrible scars many of us wound up with.
Personally, I think it's amazing they were able to cure it in mice, and I hope the results are transferable to humans, as it will be a huge breakthrough, though I honestly don't think it will happen immediately. The problem with solving these problems in mice is that the solutions don't transfer well to us all of the time. And even if it doesn't solve the problem, it definitely gets us one step closer, it gives us the tools, the knowledge, the process to cure it in people. - VyPR, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8Dugg for hope.
(Type 2) - sloof70, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8My brother and sister both have Type 1 diabetes, and our family has had to deal with the struggle for the past 3 years. This comes as great news to me.
- geronimo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8Type 1 diabetes is often genetic and is not caused by diet or exercise as a healthy family member found out recently.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by diet and other factors, but even then, we shouldn't be jerks about it. - growler1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8"I don't mean to be a big cynic here but we've been promised cures for a long time now. Can anyone think of a disease that's been cured in the past 20 years? 50 years?"
There's a vaccine for the virus that causes cervical cancer.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01385.html
And peptic ulcers are now wholly treatable with antibiotics; they were previously a mystery for doctors:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020401/1327.html
I'm neither a doctor nor a scientist. I'm sure there are more. Let's not be so cynical with each other that we give up all hope. - Jayeugene, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7I was hoping to live to see a cure for diabetes, cancer, and aids, lets hope this is going to work on humans!
- Orat, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7The supply of diabetic individuals is infinite, as people will continue to develop the disease long after a cure is developed. Hence any cure would have an infinite lifespan and be very lucrative for the company that developed it.
/Type 1 Diabetic
/Hopeful but realistic about this news - glmory, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6what do you think typewriter companies thought when the computer was invented? Ice companies thought when the refrigerator was invented? There isn't much an old company can do to stop new technology from crushing them if they don't embrace it.
- nbhagwat, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7you do not have enough knowledge about type II diabetes. Do not pass such comments.
- geronimo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Thumb up for coming closer to a diabetes cure. Type 1 runs in my family and it usually strikes around 40 or 50 years old in our case. The sooner we solve this the better.
- razmig, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6hmm...i haven't heard this one before. i haven't even had type 1 diabetes as
long as like 80% of the worlds diabetic population and i can tell you i've heard/been promised cures countless times and never is there any follow up to these miracle breakthroughs. i'll digg with fingers-crossed. - garyfranz, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6great news, but what about wilford brimley? no more diabeetus commercials :(
- coolian, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Incredibly amazing news. It'll be a while before an equivalent cure comes up for humans, but there's hope yet!
- RevHelix, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5I am sure that insurance companies are sick of paying for insulin too, a big push factor.
- abid786, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4The body can cure itself if it has what it needs.
Lets see you cure yourself of cancer - STKD, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Please let this happen.
- SEN5241, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Dugg for old cranky diabetic kitty cat. Gimme a shot or I'll pee on the persian rug! >.<
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I share the cynicism. There have been plenty of stop gap measures, but no cures. Makes sense, the pharmaceuticals make more money selling something that only holds a disease at bay instead of getting rid of it.
I'm sure the loss of the sale of insulin would be a major financial punch that the pharmaceutical industry would not like and that the profits of a cure would not make up for. - Henaro, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4***** does that mean I ordered all those testin' supplies fer nothin'?
- TubaTechno, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4What? They actually MAKE money with cures?!
- JimV, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6@glmory
A vaccine is not a cure, it's a preventative measure to keep people from getting the disease. A cure would heal people who have the disease.
I find myself agreeing with the original post. Modern medicine is mostly symptom control. Like when you get the flu, you get fever reducers and pain relievers. Your body still has to fight off the virus on it's own. - cpuenvy, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5I am 33, and I take many shots and finger pricks every day. I am on 2 types of insulin, because my body has lost it's ability to produce insulin.
There are no cases of diabetes in my family, and so naturally I was shocked to discover it one summer day. I was drinking gallons of water, and finally one day I felt like complete ***** and went to the ER. My blood sugar was 749. Normally, your sugar is at 90-100.
About 6 years ago, the last time I was in the hospital before all of this, I was very sick with strep throat. I did not go to the doctor, because I could not afford it. I was stupid, but reality is reality, and that was the way it was. When I finally had to go, they took care of the issue. They think that is what helped trigger it, but they are not sure.
I hope very much that one of these treatments that raise our hopes comes true. I am tired of the shots, and I am tired of the sugar highs and lows. I never did care for junk food, so nothing missed there.
I have always been healthy, until this. I try really hard to control it, and I hope to be here to someday have grandchildren, and pick them up and go for a walk with them, with all toes intact. I hope that there is a cure, because I will tell you one thing, it feels like a death sentance that none of us deserve. - trollick, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3According to the article it will only work for Canadians. And mice.
- madhouseradio, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Dugg for my sake, and my mother who starts kidney dialysis soon (in surgery as I type this for her kidney biopsy)
- operator99, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Not with type 1 - its a completely different animal than Type 2. Have had type 1 for 25 years, and I continue to eat healthy and stay very active...and have to take 5 shots a day to maintain proper blood sugar levels. Hope this works.
- NealV, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Well, curing a disease is a tricky business. It's generally easier to do symptom control because the body is just so damn good at fixing things itself. Think of every cold you never died from.
Antibiotics is the one standout, but bacteria are living things, making curing as simple as killing these living things. The big problems facing medicine today are viral diseases (HIV) and degenerative diseases (Alzheimer's). How do you get rid of a viral infection? You remove every last virus. What do we even have that does a better job of this than T-Cells? And degenerative diseases? We simply don't understand the biological workings of our bodies to even identify the cause of many of them.
If it seems like the big pharmaceutical companies are focusing all their effort on symptom control, it's because it is a hell of a lot easier than actually curing many of our big killers. Generally the easiest course of action is to control overblown symptoms and keep the ill persons immune system pumped so that it can do the curing. -
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