Stem Cell Research Offers New Hope for Diabetics

April 27 -- As a diabetic, Valerie Henn, 17, must inject herself with insulin three times a day to control sugar, or glucose, in her blood. As she grows older, the diabetes will put her at a much greater risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke or blindness.

But new research might one day change her life dramatically.

Two important studies released today in the journal Science, show new potential for embryonic stem cells, the prized master cells from which all tissues in the body evolve. This means there is new promise in the fight against diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

In one of the studies reported, scientists took embryonic stem cells from mice and, using a variety of chemicals, coaxed them into becoming pancreatic cells — the very cells diabetics need to produce insulin.

"It's a startling finding," says Dr. Ronald McKay of the National Institutes of Health. "When we put glucose on these cells, they release insulin. That's an astonishing thing. It reflects the 'self-assembly' of living systems. They know what to do."

If the animal experiments continue to go well, researchers may try using human embryonic stem cells to treat diabetics within five years.

In the other study out today, scientists showed — once again in mice — how they could generate embryonic stem cells from a simple piece of skin. Researchers say the technique provides hope for treating a variety of diseases, including Parkinson's.

Today's findings come as debate rages in Washington over whether the government should pay for any research that uses human embryos. Anti-abortion groups are adamantly opposed. They cite recent studies suggesting similar results might be achieved using stem cells from adults.

"It shows that embryonic stem cell research, besides the fact it kills a child, is not necessary," says Patrick Delaney of the American Life League.

Many scientists say that's not true — and until much more research is done, embryonic stem cells remain the bets hope for the millions of Americans in need of a cure.