Comments on: We want our lives back

By: Julia

Julia — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:16:12 +0000

Sernova’s system (based on transplants already performed on 19 patients by Dr. Rafael Valdes in Mexico City) does offer protection from autoimmune attack. Using the Sertoli cells from the testicles which naturally protect against autoimmune attack, these Sertoli cells are transplanted with or alongside the porcine islets. Dr. Valdes transplanted 19 patients with porcine islets, surrounded by porcine Sertoli cells in a fairly large device with tubular chambers. But he did not conduct large animal studies first. He had success, although only a few of his patients remained insulin free for two years, virtually all had reduction of insulin, few hypoglycemic episodes; in short, similar to the results LCT has gotten. If his research was allowed to continue, we would probably know for certain if his approach was a cure or just a therapy to help aid euyglycemia. I do hope that Sernova is consulting with him (though I doubt that, having used his idea), because when the DRI tried to duplicate his procedure, they failed. Valdes responded as to why they failed, but basically he was silenced and his research was stopped as they felt it was too dangerous. The patients he transplanted, to my knowledge, claimed improved glycemic control for years after the transplants. We all know these transplants do not last more than five years or so and Valdes was not able to transplant again so the two patients who were completely off insulin now use insulin, but less and better control, last I read. I do not like the looks of Valdes’ device, cosmetically, but that is beside the point.

By: Gary

Gary — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 21:26:18 +0000

Here is a link to some info on Dr Youngs research..

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/10/3/

You will have to copy/Paste it.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:30:33 +0000

Slightly off topic…While I remain very optimistic and hopeful about discoveries and innovations that will truly cure diabetes, there are ways that we as type 1 diabetics can wrest firm control of our condition. Dr Bernstein’s approach outlined in his book “Diabetes Solution” uses a logical low-carb approach to minimizing reliance on insulin and reducing the paralyzing uncertainty of blood sugar control.

After adopting his techniques for the last 2 months, I have never felt more free and in control in my 12 years of being type 1 diabetic. As a neurosurgery resident with long and unpredictable hours, managing diabetes can be a challenge. With Dr. Bernstein’s method, however, I feel as close to a cure as ever with numbers now typically running 75-110. It’s obviously not a cure and requires some dietary discipline, but until Scott’s work is complete it’s something that we as type-1 diabetics can take control of now.

By: Brian L Braxton

Brian L Braxton — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:38:43 +0000

Sorry I made a huge mistake I should have included the link I should always provide some type of refernec. It is in Spanish. http://www.hayalternativas.org/noticias/?p=1015

By: Scott King

Scott King — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:10:55 +0000

Brian, thanks for the update. I hope the study in Spain goes ahead because Dr. Zhao’s publication did not have much data I would like to see.

By: Brian Braxton

Brian Braxton — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:09:58 +0000

Sernova’s Cell Pouch System, when the whole product is package the cell will be protected with out immune suppressing drugs. I know I have email the company to get answers. The first step is to test the pouch using immune suppressing drugs. I was told this approach is being used because it would take way to long to try to get all of the technologies approved at the asme time. So they are working on get one product approved at a time while the other is still being developed. As for CUREDM the company was sold to big Pharma, and I can not even find mention of this product on the web site the company was sold to. Also I notice you did not comment on Dr. Zhao work is very promising. Some Doctors in Spain are going to try this approach on 30 patients in the near future.