Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels is impaired. Typically, when blood glucose levels rise, cells in the pancreas (beta cells) release a hormone called insulin. Insulin triggers cells throughout the body to absorb glucose from the blood. In Type 1 Diabetes, beta cells are destroyed by the immune system. In Type 2 Diabetes, cells do not take up enough glucose to regulate levels, either because insulin production is too low or because they are insensitive to insulin. Scientists have used pluripotent stem cells to produce cells which release insulin in response to rising glucose levels like beta cells. These cells are currently being investigated in clinical trials. In this section you will find factsheets about diabetes and ongoing research in this area, as well as guidelines as to where you can look for support if you or a loved one are living with diabetes.