Not sure I agree. T1 cause is autoimmune killing off the islet cells. Even if patient's own adult stem cells are used, after conversion to islet cells they would also be susceptible to a new autoimmune attack without continued immunosuppressant use.
So until the autoimmune issue is resolved, you have to decide whether to remain dependent on exogenous insulin or take the risks involved by compromising your immune system. I wouldn't take a transplant unless it was the last resort.
I don’t know much about this so pardon my ignorance and/or stupid questions.
I know that cancer research is focusing on what it is that turns off cell reproduction, which is one of the big problems with the use of embryonic stem cells - a problem that adult stem cells don’t have. Do you know if research is being done to figure out what makes the diabetic autoimmune system attack islet cells?
I had read a couple years ago that research involving adult stem cells was very close to curing diabetes (can’t remember whether it was type 1, type 2, or both). It makes me wonder if research is being done on how to replace cells that are responsible for the autoimmune system’s attack on islet cells.
Anybody know anything about that?