Has Anyone Been Successful In Reversing Type 1 Diabetes?
The reversal of type 1 diabetes, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), is a topic that is perpetually controversial. Many diagnosed as having IDDM are told that a cure should be available “in the next ten years”. Diabetics have been hearing these words since the 1950’s. True, the first pancreatic transplant occurred in 1966[1], but a cure that is available to the entire diabetes community has yet to be discovered. The work to achieve a cure for type 1 diabetes is extensive and involves a number of different approaches. Pancreatic transplants, islet cell transplants, artificial closed-loop insulin delivery systems, and targeted supplementation with extreme dietary management have all been explored. Pancreatic Transplants Transplanting the whole pancreas into a patient with type 1 diabetes has proven somewhat successful for patients who are experiencing advanced diabetic complications. Despite appearing to be a viable treatment for restoring insulin independence, the procedure itself is highly invasive (often involving the replacement of both the pancreas and the kidneys), and requires the ongoing use of immunosuppressants to protect against the rejection of the transplanted tissue(s)[2]. Islet Cell Transplants Transplanting only the insulin-producing islet cells makes this procedure significantly less invasive than a pancreatic transplant. Unfortunately, this method is limited by several factors: The technology available to obtain a sufficient quantity of islet cells (more than twice the number of donor organs are needed compared to pancreatic transplantation) Patients are also required to adhere to immunosuppressive therapy to prevent against islet cell rejection Islet cells can be transplanted into the recipient’s body either through the portal vein or Continue reading >>
Miracle Dan: Daventry Man Seemingly Cured Of Type 1 Diabetes
Miracle Dan: Daventry man seemingly cured of type 1 diabetes Daniel Darkes with his 4-year-old daughter Isla Published: 06:00 Wednesday 22 February 2017 A Daventry man has been nicknamed Miracle Dan by friends after seemingly being cured of type 1 diabetes. Daniel Darkes, 30, has been a diabetic for the past seven years but, since last month, has ceased taking his insulin injections. After undergoing tests, results showed that his blood sugar levels are below average/average to low, suggesting that his pancreas may have started functioning properly again. Daniel, who will fly to St Louis in America next month for further tests, said: Everyone is very shocked and surprised, especially friends at work who have come up to me and called me Miracle Dan. I am 30 and Ive kept fit with my running and healthy eating. I dont feel much different now as to what I did before. In fact I feel better now than Ive ever been. Ive had diabetes for six years but Im sleeping better, Im more alert, and I have more energy. Daniel discovered he had type 1 diabetes in 2010 shortly after leaving the Army. He realised that something was not right when he experienced the symptoms of tiredness, thirstiness and blurred vision while at his new engineering job. After collapsing at work Daniel was taken to hospital and diagnosed a week later, becoming one of the 3.5 million people in the UK who have diabetes. But how is it possible that Daniel could have reversed the effects of the illness, particualrly as this is usually only witnessed with type 2 diabetes patients? He thinks his healthy lifestyle might be the contributing factor. Daniel has covered many miles as a long-distance runner, raising money for Diabetes UK and the Royal British Legion in the process. He said: The doctors arent sure really, Continue reading >>
Doctors Now '80 Per Cent Certain' Daventry Man Is The First Person Ever To Cure Himself Of Type 1 Diabetes
Doctors now '80 per cent certain' Daventry man is the first person ever to cure himself of type 1 diabetes Tests show a man from Northamptonshire may well hold the secret to a cure for an illness that kills 1.5 million people every year. This newspaper reported last month that Daniel Darkes, from Daventry, a diabetic for the past seven years, had ceased taking his insulin injections after his blood sugar levels returned to below average/average to low levels, suggesting that his pancreas had started functioning again. Daniel has since travelled to the United States last week where doctors in St Louis, Missouri, performed numerous tests in an effort to ascertain what had happened. And a first round of tests seem to suggest that his diabetes has indeed disappeared, with scientists putting the probability of his potentially miraculous recovery being genuine at 80 per cent. Daniel, who has been branded 'Miracle Dan' by his friends said: I had numerous tests, about four or five, to confirm the main reason why my pancreas had started producing insulin again. One of the tests involved me running on a treadmill. They starved me for a good six hours before, and I spent about 30 minutes running at a constant speed to see if my brain went into a kind of shock mode, or starvation mode, to see if it would send signals down to the organs, i.e. my pancreas, which it did. Other tests included the insertion of a microchip into Daniels lower back to measure his protein levels, and shining of a UV light to detect cells in his pancreas, which scientists found. The tests could hold the key to finding a cure for the disease in the future, and it is hoped Daniels trip to America could be looked back on in years to come as the first step. About 1.5 million people die of all types of diabetes Continue reading >>
Rare Gene Explains Why Type 1 Man No Longer Needs Insulin
Rare gene explains why type 1 man no longer needs insulin A man with type 1 diabetes has been told by doctors he has a rare type of gene which explains why he no longer needs to rely upon insulin to control his condition. Dan Darkes, from Daventry in Northamptonshire, discovered he had type 1 in 2010 shortly after leaving the Army. He started using insulin, but he stopped with the daily injections earlier this year when tests showed his blood sugar levels were below average/average to low. His healthcare team were puzzled as to why his body no longer required the insulin injections and so he travelled to America where tests were carried out on him. Mr Darkes, known as Miracle Dan to his friends, returned to Northampton where his results have since been analysed. Speaking to the Chronicle and Echo newspaper, he said: My tests indicated that doctors found a rare gene in my results and that has acted as a backup immune system.This has led to insulin being reproduced in my pancreas. The gene has basically recharged my immune system and pancreas, kicking into action beta cells which have laid dormant for the time I have had type 1.The consultants havent ruled out the possibility that me staying active and running was the trauma or shock which triggered the healing process. Prior to the tests, doctors estimated the probability of Mr Darkes miraculous recovery being genuine at 80 per cent. Since the diabetes community have eagerly awaited further updates about his condition in the hope that a cure for type 1 diabetes may have been developed. Continue reading >>
Army Vet Is 'first In The World To Cure His Type 1 Diabetes - Thanks To Diet, Exercise And Mutated Gene'
Army vet is first in the world to CURE his type 1 diabetes thanks to diet, exercise and mutated gene Daniel Darkes, 31, was diagnosed with the life-long, incurable condition eight years ago AN ARMY vet claims he's the first person in the world to cure his type 1 diabetes - using just diet and exercise. Daniel Darkes was diagnosed with the condition when he was 23 years old. Daniel Darkes was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2010 And for the last eight years, he has taken daily insulin injections to regulate his blood sugar levels. But the 31-year-old claims in February last year his daily finger prick tests showed his blood sugar levels had miraculously returned to normal. The dad-of-one, from Daventry, Northants, stopped injecting himself with insulin, four times a day as usual, last March. And his blood sugar levels have remained stable ever since. Eight years later, the army veteran no longer needs daily insulin injections, after his blood sugar levels have stayed stable for a year After having tests in the US to investigate why, doctors discovered Daniel's pancreas has started working "on its own again". He claims medics are now convinced his type 1 diabetes may have disappeared completely. The former British Army Grenadier Guard believes his diet, which is high in zinc, nuts, oily fish and veg, and a love of running more than 60 miles a week are the secret to his unbelievable reversal of the incurable autoimmune disease. Doctors also discovered Dan has a rare, abnormal gene, which they believe could have started to "recharge" his immune system - kick-starting his pancreas to aid his recovery. The dad-of-one believes diet and exercise have played a role, but medics also discovered he carries an abnormal gene that could have kick-started his pancreas Type 1 diabete Continue reading >>
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What Happened To This Guy Who Was 'cured' Of Type 1?
Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community What happened to this guy who was 'cured' of type 1? You probably remember this news story from earlier in the year: Does anyone know what happened to him? Is he still cured? Have doctors done any further investigations? Was it a misdiagnosis or a hoax? If he really did recover from type 1, surely this would be huge in the medical community and we would see a lot more research. I asked my doctor and she hasn't seen anything about him in the various medical journals she reads. Sadly like " most" miracles/ cures for our condition they have to be taken at face value. From what I recall there was maybe a lot of extra points to be considered regarding this individuals lifestyle. Probably a combination of many factors, leading to a temporary outcome of events. But hey it could be my scepticism creeping in. JohnEGreen Type 2 (in remission!) Expert A man with type 1 diabetes has been told by doctors he has a rare type of gene which explains why he no longer needs to rely upon insulin to control his condition. Dan Darkes, from Daventry in Northamptonshire, discovered he had type 1 in 2010 shortly after leaving the Army. He started using insulin, but he stopped with the daily injections earlier this year when tests showed his blood sugar levels were below average/average to low. His healthcare team were puzzled as to why his body no longer required the insulin injections and so he travelled to America where tests were carried out on him. Mr Darkes, known as Miracle Dan to his friends, returned to Northampton where his results have since been analysed. Speaking to the Chronicle and Echo newspaper, he said: My tests indicated that doctors found a rare gene in my Continue reading >>
Army Veteran Claims He's The First Person In The World To Cure Himself Of Type 1 Diabetes
An army veteran claims that hes the first person in the world to cure himself of type 1 diabetes. Daniel Darkes, 31, was diagnosed with the incurable disease in 2010. Last February, however, his blood sugar levels miraculously returned to normal. Most people who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day for the rest of their lives. Daniel, a former Grenadier Guard, had been injecting himself four times a day since his diagnosis. Last February, he completely stopped. His blood sugar levels have remained stable ever since. Ive been off insulin for a year and a half, says Miracle Dan, as his friends call him. Daniels doctors, shocked by his recovery, sent the father-of-one to the US for a series of tests. They discovered that Daniel carries a rare gene that caused his body to start producing insulin on its own again. In addition to the gene, Daniel claims that his healthy lifestyle likely played a role. As amarathon runner, Daniel logs upwards of 60 miles a week. He eats adiet high in vegetables, oily fish, nuts, and zinc supplements. Daniel continues to monitor his blood sugar, but he says that doctors will consider the disease curedwithin a few months. The doctors say if I reach two years without having to inject it, I can consider myself completely cured. Daniels feat is impressive, not only because type 1 diabetes isnt curable, but also because it isnt linked to health. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the bodys inability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. Daniel says he hopes his story gives hope to other diabetics who want to improve their condition. Continue reading >>
5 Things Im Sick Of Hearing As Someone With Type 1 Diabetes
5 Things Im Sick of Hearing as Someone With Type 1 Diabetes Please don't call my insulin injections "gross." I have lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly 15 years. This disease, which is largely misunderstood by the public, is a chronic illness that can feel like a full-time job. For us type 1 diabetics, its a 24/7 gig that consists of constantly monitoring blood glucose levels , administering insulin injections, and having to worry about how diet, exercise, and many other factors affect our health now and in the future. No matter what I do, my type 1 diabetes is not going away. Experiencing low blood sugar, dealing with the cost of medication, and managing stress and anxious feelings related to diabetes are bummer side effects of the condition that we are forced to live with. What I refuse to live with, however, is any stigma attached to being diabetic. Dealing with type 1 diabetes (or any type of diabetes is exhausting in many ways, especially when you have to deal with some people's preconceived notions of the disease. First, I want to clarify what type 1 diabetes really is, as its often misunderstood. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas cant produce insulin, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to allow sugar (also known as glucose) to enter your cells. Glucose is the bodys main source of energy , and energy allows you to live your lifeto walk, to breath, to talk, to move. So you need it to reach your cells and tissues. Therefore, when the pancreas doesnt produce substantial (or any) insulin and glucose remains in your blood, unable to enter your cells, you end up with high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia); this comes with all sorts of health cons Continue reading >>
Berry's Miracle Cure Probably Misdiagnosis, Say Docs
Yahoo!-ABC News Network | 2018 ABC News Internet Ventures. All rights reserved. Berry's Miracle Cure Probably Misdiagnosis, Say Docs Despite her claims to the contrary, Halle Berry did not cure herself of Type 1 diabetes, doctors told ABC NEWS.com, for one simple reason -- Type 1 diabetes is incurable. "I've managed to wean myself off insulin, so now I'd like to put myself in the Type 2 category," the Web site contactmusic.com quotes the Academy Award winning actress as saying last week. Diabetics quickly took to the blogosphere to condemn Berry for claiming that a change in diet could cure Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas permanently fails to produce insulin, the vital hormone that regulates sugar levels in the blood. Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile-onset diabetes, usually strikes children who must remain on insulin therapy for their entire lives, routinely monitoring their blood-sugar levels and taking injections. Those doctors interviewed agreed that if Berry was truly a Type 1 diabetic, it would be suicide to simply stop taking insulin. They surmised that the 41-year-old actress was either mistaken, misinformed or misdiagnosed, and probably always had Type 2, which tends to affect people later in life and can in some cases be overcome with a change in diet. "When someone really has Type 1, it means their immune system has destroyed the insulin producing part of pancreas. In that case, there is no way to wean yourself off insulin [treatments]," said Dr. Francine Kaufman, a diabetes expert at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Some 20.8 million people -- 7 percent of the population -- have diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health. African-Americans, however, are particularly at risk. According to institute statistics, Continue reading >>
Caroline’s Story: Overcoming Type 1 Diabetes With Real Food
Today, Caroline Potter from Colorful Eats, has an amazing story of recovery for you. She’s worked with the same nutritionist that I have these last few years, and has been able to treat Type 1 diabetes with a nutrient-dense diet and natural supplements. It’s another encouraging story of how food can play a significant role in our fight against disease! Treating Diabetes with Real Food Life in your 20s seems pretty grand. You feel powerful, youthful and energized. Dreams seem within your reach and challenges seem conquerable. Then out of the blue, college bliss turns into doctors offices and waiting rooms. Countless tests of all forms, vague results and no answers as to what was wrong with me. As I came home from college that winter for Christmas break, I laid on the couch for most of my vacation. I was constantly starving, eating everything in sight but quickly loosing weight. Finally, one day while out to dinner with my family, I broke down in tears because my mouth was so dry, I could barely talk. I was experiencing dry mouth, one of the major symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes? I was 20, a seemingly healthy young girl, who grew up in a home where my mother fed us all organic food. I was the one in school with her carrot sticks and tuna salad sandwiches. I never drank soda or ate Oreos, so the thought of diabetes was never even on my radar. Barely able to walk up a flight of stairs, I checked myself into the ER to discover my blood sugar levels were in a diabetic coma range. Later the next morning, the doctor diagnosed me with type 1 diabetes. I was scared, hopeless and confused. The days that followed were difficult to say the least. I still felt sick all the time, gained over 20 pounds in 2 weeks and felt terribly alone. My legs turned black and blue from giving mys Continue reading >>
Has A British Man Really Been Cured Of Type 1 Diabetes?
I have been living with type 1 diabetes for 25 years now. The relentlessness of type 1, and the fact that I will probably live with this non-preventable condition for the rest of my life never goes away, but I have almost made peace with it. A few days ago, I saw something that gave me pause. “British man with type 1 diabetes to receive tests after coming off insulin,” read Diabetes.co.uk’s headline. The article goes onto say that, “Daniel Darkes, from Daventy in Northamptonshire, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes seven years ago. But his recent tests have baffled doctors as his pancreas has shown signs of working properly again.” My first thoughts upon reading this were, “this can’t be true,” and “what’s the real explanation here?” There are many types of diabetes including type 2, LADA, and monogenic. Maybe he actually had one of those types instead of type 1. Usually, tests can determine this quickly though, so why was it not the case with Dan? I live in the UK and I wanted to get to the bottom of things. I managed to get in touch with ‘Miracle Dan’, as he’s been called by his friends. Although he is saving the specific details of his recent test results from the U.S. for an upcoming exclusive interview with another media outlet, he spoke to me and answered some of my questions about everything that has been happening. Please tell us a bit about yourself and your diabetes. When were you diagnosed? I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes back in February 2011 at the age of 23, after just leaving the army. I started a new engineering job and within two weeks of starting, I noticed the traditional symptoms of type 1 diabetes: thirst, weight loss, blurry vision, and a lot of vomiting. I collapsed and was taken by ambulance to hospital where I wa Continue reading >>
For First Time Since Age 9, Type 1 Diabetes Patient Is Insulin-free
Type 1 diabetes patient is insulin-free for first time in 24 years Type 1 diabetes patient Gina Marchini, shown here near her home in Palmer, Alaska, underwent an islet cell transplant at City of Hope in July. Two weeks later, she was hiking without insulin. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 9years old, Gina Marchini accepted the fact that she would need insulin the rest of her life. Every day, she injected herself with the lifesaving hormone. She also carefully controlled her diet and monitored the rise and fall of her blood glucosewith military precision. That was before her islet cell transplant. I thought diabetes was a life sentence. Now, I'm insulin-free," said the 33-year-old kindergarten teacher from Palmer, Alaska. Even nowshe finds it hard to believe. Only hoursafter thesurgery that providedher with insulin-producing islet cells of her own,Marchini's doctors told her that her glucose levels were at normal levels. Within a few days, she was able to forgo insulin altogether. "I thought there was no way around it without my insulin shots, but now, after checking my blood sugar levels every two hours for days on end with results in the nondiabeticrange, Im starting to believe Im free, Marchini said. The results of the recently opened trial have yet to be written or even completed. But, as one of the approximately 1.25 million Americans diagnosed with type 1 diabetes , Marchini highlights the improvements and goals in diabetes research as well as the still almost inconceivable promise of a life free of needles and restrictions.{C} A pioneer in islet cell transplantation, City of Hope is using its current clinical trial to refine its transplantation protocol, which depletes disease-causing immune cells while sparing helpful immune cells. The immune-suppre Continue reading >>
This Man Says A 'rare Gene' Cured His Type 1 Diabetes. Experts Are Skeptical.
Type 1 diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is an incurable disease that requires lifelong treatment. That is, unless you're Daniel Darkes. About eight years ago, Darkes said, doctors diagnosed him with type 1 diabetes : a potentially life-threatening condition in which the immune system kills off the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, the hormone necessary for transporting glucose, or sugar, into cells so they can produce energy. But early last year, routine finger-prick tests showed his blood-sugar levels were normal, so doctors advised him to stop his insulin injections, Darkes said. Now, his doctors have told him they're 80 percent sure he's cured, the Northampton Chronicle and Echo reported. If true, this would mean Darkes could be the first person ever to naturally experience complete remission of type 1 diabetes. [ 27 Oddest Medical Cases ] Darkes has become a celebrity within the diabetes community, particularly in the United Kingdom, and he was happy to talk with Live Science about his experience. Daniel Darkes is a 30-year-old army veteran and type 1 diabetic who said he no longer needs insulin. But does Darkes' story really mean type 1 diabetes can be cured? Darkes declined to provide his medical records, and the experts Live Science spoke to said there were several missing or confusing pieces of information in his story. Usually, incredible medical stories like this one are reported as case reports in the medical literature, the experts said. And even if the details of his story can ultimately be confirmed, the experts emphasized that it's extremely unlikely that Darkes' case would lead to a widespread cure for type 1 diabetes, as reports in the media have wrongly suggested . Darkes, who is 30 years old and an army veteran, lives in Northamptonshire, En Continue reading >>
Type 1 Man No Longer Requires Insulin
Further tests are being carried out on aman with type 1 diabetes who no longer needs to use insulinafter hispancreas began functioning again. Daniel Darkes, from Daventry, was diagnosed with the condition seven years ago but but recent test results showedhis blood sugar levels were below average, suggesting his pancreas may have started working. Speaking to The Daventry Express the 30-year-old said: Everyone is very shocked and surprised, especially friends at work who have come up to me and called me Miracle Dan. I am 30 and Ive kept fit over the years with my running and healthy eating.I dont feel much different now as to what I did before. In fact I feel better now than Ive ever been. Ive had diabetes for six years but Im sleeping better, Im more alert, and I have more energy. Daniel discovered he had type 1 diabetes in 2010 shortly after leaving the Army. He realised his health was not right after experiencing extreme tiredness, thirstiness, blurred vision and then eventually collapsing. Now, doctors are baffled as to how his blood sugar levels have returned to normal as there is no known cure of type 1 diabetes and treatment with insulin injections is required for survival. Healthy eating and weight loss can be a factor in reversing the effects of type 2 diabetes and Daniel, who has travelled to America for further tests, thinks his healthy lifestyle might be a contributing factor to his renewed health. He said: The doctors arent sure really, it could be because I do a lot of running.They reckon a lot of vitamin C and D can also cause cells to be reproduced in the organs. Ill get a better picture once Im over in America. Continue reading >>
This Scientific Breakthrough Could Be The Next Miracle Cure For Type 1 Diabetes
Attention, all type 1 diabetics: Your days of insulin injections may be numbered, thanks to a revolutionary new medicine. California-based company ViaCyte just developed a stem cell implant called PEC-Direct, and it could be the next miracle cure for diabetes. The implant grows insulin-producing cells from stem cells, which would eventually help manage glucose levels in type 1 diabetes patients. If the implant successfully passes the clinical trials, patients would no longer need to inject themselves with insulin. (And, more good news: researchers are looking into ways to reverse type 1 diabetes.) “Patients with high-risk type 1 diabetes complications, such as hypoglycemia unawareness, are at constant risk of life-threatening low blood glucose,” clinical trial investigator Jeremy Pettus from University of California, San Diego, said in a press release. “The PEC-Direct islet cell replacement therapy is designed to help patients with the most urgent medical need.” Placed just below the skin, these implants are no larger than credit cards—but they could have a life-changing impact for diabetics. As the stem cells mature inside the human body, they will become specialized pancreas cells that release insulin automatically when needed. “There are limited treatment options for patients with high-risk type 1 diabetes to manage life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes,” added ViaCyte president and CEO Paul Laikind. “We believe that the PEC-Direct product candidate has the potential to transform the lives of these patients.” Clinical trials just began last week. Two patients received injections of PEC-Direct implants and will be monitored for the next several months. If all goes according to plan, the cells will mature in three months and begin releasing insulin a Continue reading >>
