On January 23rd, 1922, a 14-year boy, Leonard Thompson, received a refined form of insulin derived from a cow pancreas and symptoms from his type 1 diabetes rapidly improved. Two Canadian researchers, Banting and Best are credited with isolating the hormone and refining its production for humans. Prior to their innovative work, ninety percent of those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body cannot produce insulin, would not live more than five years!
In the past one hundred years, we have made some remarkable advancements in the treatment of diabetes. There have been landmark trials demonstrating how proper monitoring and controlling blood sugars can reduce complications. Novel devices have been developed that help us to monitor and deliver insulin and new medications have improved control.
We still have not yet found a cure, although transplantation is an option. A healthy pancreas or in some cases, the islet cells (the cells that make insulin) are taking from a deceased donor and implanted in a patient with Type 1 diabetes. This person must then take lifelong medications to suppress their immune system and prevent rejection of the new cells. These medications can have significant risks and side effects.
But there is hope on the horizon. Canadian researchers have used 3D bioprinting to develop an implant that functions like human pancreatic tissue. Aspect Biosystems, a BC based company, uses pancreatic cells derived from stem cells and prints layer by layer, insulin producing tissues that can be implanted into the body. These bio-printed tissues do not need anti-rejection drugs and have shown, in rat models, to normalize blood sugar levels.
Human trials have yet to be performed, but the original research is promising. There may be a day, and hopefully in my lifetime, when one of the 300,000 people in Canada, or the 8.4 million people worldwide with type 1 diabetes will be able to live insulin injection free lives. Take care of yourselves and each other.
By Steve Bond, BScPhm, RPh, CDE, FASCP
