June 20, 2000
Medications: Pills for Diabetes, Research: Cure
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Question from Bandung, Indonesia:
I have a 14 year old so who has had Type 1 diabetes since age 9. He is now taking insulin shots regularly. Is there a form of tablet or something to replace the shots? How about pancreas transplant (from a parent)? And how about transplanting an animal cell to produce insulin in his body: is it possible?
Answer:
From: DTeam Staff
If your son has Type 1 diabetes, and likely he does, no tablet will work.
Pancreas transplants, while effective, are usually given with a kidney transplant. At present, there are dangerous drugs that must be given to protect the pancreas; so transplants are not to be taken lightly. Research is progressing in the transplant field, just not ready to do on a regular basis yet.
LD
