Islet cells. Edmonton Protocol. Stem cells. We hear these names whenever we read an update on diabetes research. But in the world of technical medical breakthroughs, it can be hard to determine which one is which and who is doing what.

What are Islet Cells?

In your pancreas, there are small clusters of cells called islets of Langerhans. These islets are made up of three different types of cells. The one that affects diabetics are the beta cells, which produce insulin. Insulin is the hormone that controls the level of sugar in your blood. Type 1 diabetes is developed when the body's immune system attacks the beta cells and destroys them. Without these beta cells, diabetics are forced to inject insulin into their bodies up to five times daily and test their blood sugar regularly.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are cells that basically turn into any other kind of cell: brain cells, liver cells, skin cells, etc. In medical research today, these cells are taken out of embryos (embryos are clusters of cells that eventually become human babies) and programmed to be any kind of cell researchers need. Researchers get these stem cells from discarded embryos at invitro-fertilization centers around the country where women who are trying to become pregnant will freeze dozens of their eggs, with the hope that one will eventually become a baby.

These cells can also multiply as many times as necessary, which means an unlimited supply.

Islet Cell Breakthroughs

The biggest advancement in islet cell research has been the Edmonton Protocol, directed by Dr. James Shapiro (see CureNow interview "The Islet Cell Champion"). The Edmonton Protocol trials began at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. They reported at the end of August 2001 that out of 20 patients, 80% were off insulin for an entire year or more.

There are now 25 research centers in the U.S. and around the world are working on similar transplants and many more patients have received transplants (see CureNow article "Cured: The Islet Cell Transplant"). Many of these centers are a part of the new JDRF/NIH Immune Tolerance Network (ITN), a partnership between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the federal government's National Institutes of Health. These centers are able to receive equipment needed to reproduce the Edmonton Protocol.

At the University of Alberta, JDRF opened a JDRF Center for Clinical Islet Transplantation. Led by Dr. Shapiro, the new facility is focusing on making the Protocol safer, more efficient, and more accessible to people with diabetes. They are also working on new ways to suppress the immune system without harming the body.

Continue to Page 2