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Scientists Find Potential Cure for Diabetes in Men

Testicular tissue could help patients grow their own insulin

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 13, 2010 9:25 AM CST | Updated Dec 18, 2010 8:29 AM CST

(Newser) – Scientists have made a breakthrough that they think could lead to a cure for diabetes in men. In recent experiments on diabetic mice, researchers were able to use tiny slivers of human testicular tissue to make replacements for the faulty cells that cause the condition, allowing the mice to produce their own insulin, the Daily Mail explains. The researchers predict they could be able to fully cure type 1 diabetes in men and boys in as little as five years.

In the tests, the mice were only able to produce enough insulin to last them for about a week, but researchers think they can extend that duration. “We know that spermatogonial stem cells have the potential to do what we want them to do,” one said, “and we know how to improve their yield.” Within months, they hope to test the technique on humans. For now they’re focusing on men, but they suspect the technique could be adapted to use eggs instead of sperm. (Click for more on the growing number of Americans with diabetes.)

Insulin injections could eventually be a thing of the past for men.
Insulin injections could eventually be a thing of the past for men.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 20 comments
HappyHabenero
Dec 14, 2010 5:37 AM CST
are you diabetic?...naw just nuts :)
KC-Guy
Dec 13, 2010 3:34 PM CST
As someone who has suffered from Type I Diabetes for 25 years now, I can only hope this information is true. I have been battling this disease, and it doesn't have anything to do with weight. It is one of the worst diseases because it slowly kills you while causing blindness, loss of feeling in your extremities, kidney problems, etc. I take 6 shots a day in the stomach, and each bottle of insulin costs $150. They won't make a generic because there is no money in it. I pray that the companies that make billions off Diabetics stay out of this study. They'll only try to kill this type of research and development. If this is true, I want to be first in line to try it. If you have Type II Diabetes, there is a good chance it will go away with diet and exercise. They are VERY different diseases!
trannycrackwhore
Dec 13, 2010 12:12 PM CST
Newser, stop covering bullshit stories from the Daily mail you retards.

 
medical breakthrough • diabetes • type 1 diabetes • scientific breakthroughs

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