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Posts with tag BetterDiabetesCare
Posted Aug 10th 2007 9:18AM by Allie Beatty
Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Drugs, Research, Allie Beatty
The scientific community has been in a heated debate about xenotransplants (transplanting pig islets into humans). Although the procedures are showing to be effective - is the insulin secretion entirely pig? Some experts surmise that after the transplants, diabetic patients are actually able to produce some insulin on their own, after all.
The latest press release from Tissera, Inc (an Israeli-based company) made a statement that raises my hopes. It was, "By the fourth month after transplantation, the insulin dose needed to maintain near-normal blood sugar levels decreased by more than 90% in comparison with the insulin dose needed before transplantation, meaning that endogenous insulin production was predominantly responsible for blood sugar control."
The question of the origin of endogenous insulin was addressed by measurement of blood C-peptide. C-peptide splits from insulin and indicates the level of insulin secretion from the patient. C-peptide levels were measured both at baseline and in response to a sugar load, which brings about a rise in blood C-peptide. The measured C-peptide was shown to be predominantly of pig origin. So herein lies my question: is predominantly more than 50%? A type 1 diabetic has undetectable levels of C-peptide. Period. After the xenotransplant the C-peptide level is all of a sudden detectable? Could these islet transplants assist in regenerating the diabetics' own islets?
Posted Jul 31st 2007 9:50PM by Allie Beatty
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Products, Support
SugarStats makes it simple to virtually track, monitor and share key statistics to help manage your diabetes online. Here's your chance to get rid of the annoying paper trail and replace it with high tech efficiency. You would anticipate such a brilliant idea to cost boatloads. No sir -- this perk is free!
SugarStats gives you a simple and easy-to-use way to input and access your data anywhere with a web browser. Get rid of that pen and paper log -- it's all online! Track and manage meds, foods and activity. Drill down into specific timeframes to get a clear picture. Visualize your progress with easy to read graphs and trends. Share your statistics with your family, friends or doctor. This is such an awesome tool! Your desire to take control of your diabetes is so easy, thanks to Marston's brilliant interface. Sign up free or take a tour.
It seems every day I learn about an extraordinary diabetic doing something to improve the daily struggles of this unforgiving disease. Kudos Marsten! You're another shining player on Team Diabetes!
