Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Reversed?

Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are fortunate in that it's possible, with diet and lifestyle changes, to actually reverse the course of the disease. Even if they're unable to reverse Type 2, it's possible for them to avoid going on insulin by losing weight, watching carbs, and getting moderate exercise.

Those with Type 1, however, can't change the reality that they'll always need to take insulin since their bodies no longer make it. Or can Type 1 diabetes ever be reversed?

Very preliminary experiments suggest that it might in fact be possible to reverse Type 1 with an inexpensive vaccine that keeps the immune system from attacking pancreatic cells, reports the Los Angeles Times. Studies in mice already had documented the effectiveness of the tuberculosis vaccine known as BCG in Type 1 diabetes. That vaccine was shown to prevent T cells from attacking the insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas. In mice that got the vaccine, the pancreas began to regenerate and to produce insulin once again, effectively "curing" the mice of their diabetes.

An immune system protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is pivotal in the research. When blood levels of TNF are increased, studies show, the protein blocks other areas of the immune system that attack the body, particularly the pancreas.

Researchers report that humans who got low doses of the vaccine began to demonstrate transient increases in insulin production. At Massachusetts General Hospital, medical experts are getting ready to try higher doses of the vaccine in larger groups of people.

The research is intriguing: if the vaccine works, even those who've had Type 1 diabetes for awhile might have their pancreas function restored, reports the Los Angeles Times. That depends, of course, on whether it's possible to block the beta cell-destroying parts of the immune system. "It's fascinating research," says Spyros Mezitis, MD, Ph.D., endocrinology consultant at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "It's changing the way we think about Type 1 diabetes."

Further experiments are needed with more individuals who have Type 1 diabetes, Mezitis says. "And higher doses of BCG tuberculosis vaccine are needed to confirm these important results," he adds.

Immunology expert Eva Mezey, MD, who directs the adult stem-cell unit at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, called the study results "fascinating and very promising," according to the Los Angeles Times. She noted, though, that only a small number of patients had gotten good results, and that vaccinations would most likely need to be repeated on a regular basis.

Source:

Maugh, Thomas H. "Research shows promise in reversing Type 1 diabetes." 25 June 2011. Los Angeles Times.
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/25/health/la-he-bcg-diabetes-20110625

Acidy Feeling in Your Mouth? 9 Tips to Feel Better

See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!

Chances are you've experienced that unpleasant feeling of a sour, acid-like taste in your mouth. It can happen at the most inconvenient times, but is most common upon waking up in the morning and after eating fried, fatty, and greasy foods.

It's typically due to reflux disease, experts say, and yes, it's treatable. "What causes it is when acid from the stomach comes back up into the mouth through the esophagus," explains David Bernstein, MD, chief of gastrology, hepatology, and nutrition at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. "You may not even have heartburn with it."

Just about everyone gets reflux, with or without symptoms of heartburn, at some time in their lives, Bernstein says. But if it becomes persistent and is associated with weight loss, pain or difficulty swallowing food, he advises that you see a doctor.

In the meantime, you can treat the sour taste in your mouth by trying the following:

Don't lie flat in bed at night. The contents of your stomach can reflux back into your mouth. Sleep on a couple of pillows and "sleep at an angle to counteract gravity," Bernstein advises.Watch what you eat and avoid foods that are spicy or fried.Eat at least four hours before you go to bed. This way, your body will have time to digest the food. If you're overweight, lose weight. Obesity is a contributing factor in the development of reflux.Avoid taking aspirin and ibuprofen. These can cause damage to the stomach and increase the risk of reflux, Bernstein says.Eat digestive-friendly foods such as bread and rice. These foods are known for absorbing acid, Bernstein says. Watch how much milk you're drinking. Milk can be helpful because it coats the stomach, but it has a lot of calcium. "And calcium is a stimulator of acid secretion," Bernstein says. "It helps in the short-term but long-term it can cause more acid release."Try over-the counter-antacids.  Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid AC, Tagamet, or Zantac are all great options. "If you get relief, that's great," Bernstein says. "But if you don't, see a doctor and don't continue to try to treat yourself." The doctor may prescribe a protein pump inhibitor such as Dexilant, which is by prescription only.If your symptoms don't improve, it might not be reflux, says Marco Patti, MD, a surgeon at the University of Chicago Medical Center. "Don't automatically turn to medicines because some of them have side effects," he says. "Some of the prescription medications can cause decreased calcium absorption, which can lead to fractures." Additionally, your doctor may request some tests to pinpoint whether reflux is in fact the cause. Sometimes, Patti says, the symptoms may have nothing to do with reflux. In some instances, you may be referred to a dentist or an oral surgeon.

See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!

View the original article here