2015 has already cemented itself as a key year of diabetes research.
Developments have been made into a cure for type 1 diabetes using artificial pancreas technology and a vaccine strategy, while funding for a cure is set to increase.
Research into the management of type 2 diabetes , meanwhile, has seen a number of studies investigating meal sizes and portions, as well as particular foods that could treat type 2.
Type 1 diabetes cure
A vaccine that prevented type 1 diabetes in mice could reportedly work in humans, while Australian scientists have found Melligen cells could reverse the diabetic condition.
Meanwhile, British scientists are “one step closer to developing an effective cure for Type 1 diabetes”, with a £4.4 million investment set to fund type 1 diabetes research.
- January 2015: Cure closer for type 1 diabetes after T cell identification
- March 2015: Vaccine strategy for type 1 diabetes could be applicable to humans
- March 2015: Funding could lead to type 1 diabetes cure
- April 2015: Melligen cells have potential to reverse type 1 diabetes, researchers indicate
Type 2 diabetes management
Meal sizes and protein content could affect blood glucose levels according to Israeli researchers, while exercise after meals could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2.
Blueberry herbal tea and a berry compound have also been discovered as potential treatment options.
- February 2015: Berry compound could help type 2 diabetes
- February 2015: Breakfast and dinner size could affect blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes
- April 2015: Blueberry herbal tea could treat type 2 diabetes
- May 2015: High protein breakfast could reduce risk of blood sugar spikes for people with type 2 diabetes
Artificial pancreas
A woman from Norfolk became the first in the world to give birth naturally using her artificial pancreas, while Medtronic‘s research is ever expanding. After releasing their insulin pump-based artificial pancreas in the UK, they have since paired up with DreaMed to further research the potential of an artificial pancreas.
