Cord Blood Stem Cells generates Insulin producing cells

This piece of good news should cheer up diabetics who have been asking us whether cord blood stem cells can help in this lifelong disease. An Irish scientist, Professor Colin McGuckin announced a major breakthrough in demonstrating that cord blood stem cells are able to transform into cells that secrete insulin. This new finding should result in effective in providing insulin to patients from adult sources of stem cells. Prof McGuckin who is a Professor of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Newcastle will be presenting his work to the Catholic church leaders at the Augustinian Institute in Rome.


What is diabetes?
Essentially, diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to produce any (type 1) or enough insulin, or is unable to use the insulin properly (type 2). Insulin is a hormone manufactured and secreted by cells in the pancreas which acts as a signal for the body's cells to absorb blood sugar. If insulin is not produced in enough quantities, cells in the body may not be able to allow blood sugars in which starves the cells of energy.

Which parts of the body are most affected by diabetes?
All cells in the body will be affected by the lack of blood sugar entering the cell. Over time, high blood glucose levels injure blood vessels, resulting in damage to organs which are the most vascularized- eyes, heart, nerves, kidneys. Diabetics are also prone to developing foot ulcers due to poor circulation which increases their risk of limb amputation.

Why is stem cell work on insulin production important?
Diabetes is a chronic disease with symptoms resulting from a failing pancreas. The process is one of pancreatic organ failure and is degenerative in nature. Essentially, diabetics need to control their blood sugars strictly and ensure that they have sufficient levels of insulin (injectable) prior to every meal. Stem cells forming insulin secreting cells may be able to replace the damaged or dying insulin producing cells in the pancreas, thereby yielding long term cost savings in terms of drug therapy and convenience for the patient. Advantages also include non-rejection of tissue (unlike in a pancreas transplant) and the ability of the body to regain natural control over this very important process of hormonal regulation.

Furthermore, predictions and health monitoring from all over the world indicate that diabetes and its effects, is one of the top 3 killers or health burden of people in both developed and developing countries in the world today.



On another note, I'm also pleased that this Catholic Institution is taking the time to invite a notable speaker and hope that other religious organizations would do likewise. StemLife will be happy to provide information on stem cells and stem cell therapy to any religious insitution for the purpose of educating and more importantly, helping people whose condition and suffering may be alleviated by stem cell therapy.