The treatments described in the preceding sections apply only to type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the result of insulin resistance or other forms of improper use of insulin within the body, not in general to an absolute lack of insulin. Type 2 patients usually have normal beta cells at the start, with beta cell insufficiency developing later while the insulin use defects continue. There is nothing on the horizon for type 2 diabetes with promise comparable to that of beta cell transplants for type 1. The sequencing of the human genome, completed in 2000, provides information for research which is likely to help, but that is for the very long term.
New drugs are available which improve insulin sensitivity.
Support and education programs continue to expand. But all this is treatment, not cure.