Diabetes

The Disease
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin, the hormone produced in the islet cells of the pancreas, is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity, appear to play roles.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter and fuel the body's cells. Approximately 5 to 10 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes about 2.5 million people.

In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. New islet cells could greatly benefit these patients.

Type 2 Diabetes results from insulin resistance combined with an insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

Over time, many type 2 diabetics islet cells are lost and patients become insulin dependent; in essence developing a similar condition as patients with type 1 diabetes. This subset of diabetics may also benefit from islet transplantation.