A group of children newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes appears to have benefited from receiving a transfusion of their own stored umbilical cord blood. That's according to a study presented Tuesday at the American Diabetes Association's 67th Annual Scientific Sessions. It's another example of the potential of adult stem cells to help heal the body.
"After only six months, it is too early to tell how long the children will benefit from this therapy, but early signs indicate that it may have helped enhance blood glucose control and management," Dr. Michael J. Haller, a University of Florida professor and lead author of the study, told Medical News TODAY.
"Millions of Americans who suffer from diabetes should be encouraged that new treatments might be just around the corner," said Dawn Vargo, associate bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "It should also be a wake-up call to advocates of destructive embryonic stem-cell research: We can protect innocent human life and find successful treatments for diseases like diabetes."
