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There are many research studies that have been conducted regarding diabetes, especially during this decade, and certainly during the past few years.  One of the current studies being conducted is a study in New Zealand involves the use of pig cells to treat type 1 diabetes.

This research trial which has been in the planning stages for 2 years will allow a company called Living Cell Technologies (LCT) to inject 8 people who have type 1 diabetes, with pig cells that produce insulin.  The expectation is that these injections will reduce the need for the normal amounts of insulin that these individuals would usually take. 

There will be one more review by the Ministry of Health to make sure that the trials will be safe.  One aspect of the review will be to make sure that no retroviruses will be transferred to the humans taking part in the trials.  The process of injecting the cells into the individuals is called xenotransplantation and it holds out great promise for individuals with type 1 diabetes. 

The trials will be under rigorous oversight of the National Data Safety Management Board, who will oversee every part of the trial.  In addition, the agreement for LCT to have the permission to perform the trial is that any adverse side affects in the trial – even minor ones – will be reported to and followed up by the Ministry of Health and an independent peer review board.

Considering the incredible possibilities for individuals with type 1 diabetes, this is an important trial and could change the way type 1 diabetes is treated forever.  As the Ministry of Health reports, there were certainly many people who volunteered to be part of the study.  The Ministry of Health stated that “there is definitely no shortage of people with type 1 diabetes.”