Simply put, diabetes is a chronic, complicated and destructive disease. However, there is increasing hope that diabetes and its related problems can be cured. Researchers are beginning to understand how the body's own immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. Others are attempting to identify the genes involved in diabetes to define those at risk. Research and development is currently investigating insulin pumps and other experimental insulin-delivery systems along with new ways to monitor blood glucose.
Pancreas transplants are perhaps the most effective method of treatment currently in use.
This procedure continues to be the only available procedure that, when successful, keeps blood sugar levels balanced and eliminates the need for insulin injections altogether, markedly improving the quality of life for the patient. The downside for patients who have had a successful transplant is the lifelong need to take potentially harmful immunosuppressive drugs. However, recent advancements have improved the odds for whole-organ recipients, while islet research is producing promising initial results as well. The benefits of finding a cure or even producing more effective treatments for diabetes would be enormous.