For years, scientists have studied the pancreas, and still, they have yet to discover a solid reason as to why the pancreas stops producing insulin or produces ineffective insulin. However, science has discovered a mutant gene handed down from our ancestors that may be the cause. Other possible causes for Diabetes include:
Potbelly/Over Weight Stress/Anxiety Infections of the Pancreas, Genetics Inactivity Cholesterol/Triglyceride Elevations
It is interesting to note that the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes are both one in the same.
Diabetes is due to insulin that is either insufficient or ineffective leading to increased blood glucose levels. This leads to symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst). Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. When glucose levels are elevated, insulin changes glucose into energy that the body can use for fuel.
How the body reacts to insufficient insulin:
If the pancreas is producing sufficient insulin but the body isn't using it properly, it is referred to as the body being resistant to the insulin. Another reaction is for the body to produce insufficient insulin which affects the glucose from being changed to energy which the body needs.
Is it curable?
At this time, scientists have not yet found a cure. However, there are several experimental procedures that are displaying high success rates. These procedures include;
Transplant of Pancreas: This procedure is for anyone with uncontrollable Type 1 DM diabetes, but have a functioning kidney. In patients who underwent this procedure, insulin injections were no longer required to keep them alive and the risk factors with diabetes were greatly decreased.
Pancreas and Kidney Transplant: This procedure is strictly for those patients suffering from Type 1 diabetes and are experiencing extreme kidney failure. After the surgery, patients no longer needed insulin injections or kidney dialysis. If the patient did not reject the organ transplants within the first year, their rate of success over the next ten years was highly increased.
Islet Transplants: This procedure is currently in clinical trials and involves replacing the bad Islets Of Langerhans with good islets from a deceased donor. Islets of Langerhans are the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. The islets are extracted from the donor pancreas and injected into the liver of the receiver. The cells start manufacturing insulin which works to regulate blood sugar levels.
In a study of patients who received islet transplants, five out of thirty-six still remain free of the need for insulin two years after the procedure. Although these procedures are experimental and not yet approved by the FDA, they have all shown positive results.
Experimental surgeries, studies and research will continue with vigor until a cure is found. But, for those living with diabetes, simple lifestyle changes can ensure a long, productive happy life until scientists can discover the cure they know is out there.
Potbelly/Over Weight Stress/Anxiety Infections of the Pancreas, Genetics Inactivity Cholesterol/Triglyceride Elevations
It is interesting to note that the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes are both one in the same.
Diabetes is due to insulin that is either insufficient or ineffective leading to increased blood glucose levels. This leads to symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst). Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. When glucose levels are elevated, insulin changes glucose into energy that the body can use for fuel.
How the body reacts to insufficient insulin:
If the pancreas is producing sufficient insulin but the body isn't using it properly, it is referred to as the body being resistant to the insulin. Another reaction is for the body to produce insufficient insulin which affects the glucose from being changed to energy which the body needs.
Is it curable?
At this time, scientists have not yet found a cure. However, there are several experimental procedures that are displaying high success rates. These procedures include;
Transplant of Pancreas: This procedure is for anyone with uncontrollable Type 1 DM diabetes, but have a functioning kidney. In patients who underwent this procedure, insulin injections were no longer required to keep them alive and the risk factors with diabetes were greatly decreased.
Pancreas and Kidney Transplant: This procedure is strictly for those patients suffering from Type 1 diabetes and are experiencing extreme kidney failure. After the surgery, patients no longer needed insulin injections or kidney dialysis. If the patient did not reject the organ transplants within the first year, their rate of success over the next ten years was highly increased.
Islet Transplants: This procedure is currently in clinical trials and involves replacing the bad Islets Of Langerhans with good islets from a deceased donor. Islets of Langerhans are the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. The islets are extracted from the donor pancreas and injected into the liver of the receiver. The cells start manufacturing insulin which works to regulate blood sugar levels.
In a study of patients who received islet transplants, five out of thirty-six still remain free of the need for insulin two years after the procedure. Although these procedures are experimental and not yet approved by the FDA, they have all shown positive results.
Experimental surgeries, studies and research will continue with vigor until a cure is found. But, for those living with diabetes, simple lifestyle changes can ensure a long, productive happy life until scientists can discover the cure they know is out there.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a Licensed Registered Nurse who loves to write and share her knowledge about Diabetes Early Symptoms with others. She also provides more information about Diabetes Facts on Clivir.com.
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