| Advances in the treatment of diabetes are currently | | | | Another natural substance that is being studied is |
| being researched all over the world. But currently | | | | cocoa. A study conducted in Germany showed cocoa |
| there is no cure that has been accepted by the | | | | with high flavanol improves cardiovascular health. The |
| medical communities for either Type-1 or Type-2 | | | | study was specifically to test the effectiveness of |
| diabetes. | | | | the cocoa with long term use. 41 stable Type-2 |
| Type-1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of Beta | | | | diabetics were given cocoa with high dose flavanol in |
| islet cells in the pancreas which secretes insulin. Insulin | | | | comparison with low flavanol dosage cocoa. During |
| metabolizes sugar in the blood system into energy | | | | the study, the researchers did find that the flavanol |
| that can be absorbed and used by the cells. People | | | | found in cocoa did have a positive effect on FMD |
| with Type-1 diabetes need to be on insulin for the | | | | response in diabetics. Researchers concluded that |
| rest of their lives. Type-2 diabetes is caused by the | | | | these results happened by increased production of |
| destruction of insulin receptors on cell surfaces which | | | | nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical that sends |
| causes the cells to be resistant to insulin. Type | | | | signals to arteries to relax and widen in response to |
| 2-diabetes can be managed with medication and/or | | | | increased blood flow. This relaxation of the arteries |
| lifestyle changes. | | | | takes stress off the heart and blood vessels. |
| Currently research is being conducted using | | | | The University of Pennsylvania is currently conducting |
| controversial embryonic stem cells as well as stem | | | | clinical trials for a new surgery called Islet Cell |
| cells taken from adults. But because of the ethical | | | | Transplantation. With this new procedure, doctors are |
| and political debate concerning embryonic stem cells | | | | transplanting islet cells from a matching donor. Beta |
| this pathway to a cure is moving slowly. People who | | | | islet cells are the cells from the pancreas that secrete |
| believe that life starts at conception strongly oppose | | | | insulin. The procedure is for Type-1 diabetics whose |
| embryonic stem cell research because the cells come | | | | Beta islet cells have been destroyed and therefore |
| from human embryos which are destroyed in the | | | | no insulin is produced. These patients need to be on |
| process. Embryonic stem cells have not matured into | | | | insulin therapy for the rest of their lives so during the |
| human cells and have the greatest potential to | | | | course of the disease, this insulin therapy can |
| become any type of cells in the human body, | | | | become very expensive. With the Islet Cell |
| including hair, skin, blood, as well as Beta islet cells. | | | | Transplantation, once the stem cells are transplanted |
| There are several Amazon jungle root herbs being | | | | into the liver, many patients report that the body |
| studied with reported abilities to lower blood sugar | | | | starts giving warning signs when the blood sugar is |
| levels, normalize the frequency of urination, and | | | | too low. Many Type-1 diabetics have previously had |
| eliminate glucose in the urine of diabetics. In Brazil, | | | | no warning and often just black out which can be |
| Pfaffia root has been used for years to treat the | | | | dangerous when driving or performing other critical |
| symptoms of diabetes. Pata-de-vaca is also widely | | | | tasks. Most patients currently need two |
| used in Brazil for the treatment of diabetes. | | | | transplantations to get totally off insulin therapy. |
| In China and other parts of Asia there are many | | | | Advances in treatment of diabetes are currently |
| herbs being studied that help with blood glucose | | | | being researched all over the world. But currently |
| levels as well as some that relieve the effects of | | | | there is no cure that has been accepted by the |
| narrowing blood vessels which is a complication that | | | | medical communities for either Type-1 or Type-2 |
| occurs with diabetes. | | | | diabetes. |