Stem Cell Research Could Lead To Diabetes Cure

Filed in archive News on June 29, 2006

Embryonic stem cell research has been the center of scientific controversy for years, and the Bush administration has placed strict limits on the innovative research.

However, many believe that the use of these cells could lead to amazing treatments and cures, including the cure for Type 1 diabetes. One of the believers is Douglas Melton, a molecular biologist and co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. His son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of six months. His daughter was diagnosed with the disease soon after.

Stem cells are the most basic type of cell in our bodies, and studying these can lead to an understanding of the 'bridge' between these and more specialized cells, such as those that produce insulin. Once we understand that, we may be able to discover how to fix damaged cells and 'cure' diabetes. Melton believes this is possible, but not if crucial research continues to be blocked.

And insulin is no substitute:

"Insulin is not a cure for diabetes," Melton said in testimony before the United States Senate. "It is merely life support."

The entire article can be found
here, and is well worth the read. What do you think: do we have a moral obligation to 'protect' possible life by excluding stem cell research, or does we have an obligation to try and improve existing lives in any way we can?

(Photo Source: National Geographic)