What are some current research strategies that may lead to a "cure" for diabetes

To "cure" diabetes mellitus type 1 would require increasing insulin levels whereas to "cure" diabetes mellitus type 2 would require increasing the response of tissue to insulin or other chemicals. In terms of type 1, getting the body to secrete insulin requires either generating new beta cells or causing other cells to release insulin. Research is on-going regarding both possibilities. Some researchers are trying to stimulate beta cells to self-replicate. Others are testing donor beta cells from health islets. A third mechanism to increase beta cells is to transplant stem cells into the pancreas and stimulate these cells to develop into beta cells. As for getting other cells to secrete insulin, gene therapy looks promising as mechanisms for stimulating genes for insulin to be expressed are being studied as are mechanisms of manipulating the genes responsible for initiating the autoimmune response.

In terms of type 2 diabetes mellitus, there are several causes of this disease and thus one therapy cannot cure all. A better understanding of the biochemical changes taking place in body cells is necessary before research can get a handle on a cure. For those whose diabetes is due to obesity, weight loss can cure the disease. In addition, bariatric surgery may cure the disease in some even if the person is not obese.