Modern Insulin Production and Stem Cell Research
Forget the old days of extracting insulin from slaughtered pigs and cows - today's genetically modified bacteria produce pure human insulin in massive quantities. This breakthrough means fewer allergic reactions, cheaper production costs, and no ethical concerns about animal products.
The bacteria are essentially turned into tiny insulin factories, churning out large amounts of the hormone in laboratory vats. It's brilliant for people who object to animal-derived medicines and provides a much more reliable supply chain.
Stem cell therapy represents the holy grail of diabetes treatment - a potential cure rather than lifelong management. Scientists can grow stem cells into β cells and implant them into diabetic pancreases, potentially restoring normal insulin production.
However, this treatment faces significant hurdles. Some people have ethical objections to using embryonic stem cells, viewing it as destroying potential life. There's also uncertainty about whether stem cells might increase tumour risks due to their unpredictable growth patterns.
Future focus: Stem cell research could eliminate the need for daily insulin injections entirely