Protein May Treat Type 1 Diabetes
Jan. 9, 2008 -- Researchers report promising results from early lab tests for a new type 1 diabetes treatment.
Those lab tests -- which were conducted in mice, not people -- center on a protein called Pdx1. When mice with type 1 diabetes got Pdx1 injected into their bellies, their insulin levels returned to near-normal levels within two weeks.
Pdx1 spurred the regeneration of pancreatic cells that are destroyed by type 1 diabetes, according to the study.
"Pdx1 is so special because it possesses a unique amino acid sequence that acts as sort of [a] molecular passport, allowing it to pass freely into cells, enter the nucleus, and activate insulin production and release," researcher Li-Jun Yang, MD, says in a news release.
Yang's team calls for further studies of Pdx1 as a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes.
The study, published online in the journal Diabetes, was preliminary; it didn't test the long-term safety and effectiveness of Pdx1.
Yang is a founder and member of the scientific advisory board of Transgeneron Therapeutics Inc., which is seeking to develop Pdx1 as a type 1 diabetes treatment. The University of Florida holds a provisional patent on Pdx1 protein therapy, notes a University of Florida news release.
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
Step: of
Today in Diabetes
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.