Basically, the treatment is aimed at slowing the destruction of the insulin-producing cells.
Diabetes results from destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Eventually, the insulin-producing cells can wear out, causing an insulin shortage.
But the key to preventing or stopping Type 1, doctors believe, is to stop the immune system from attacking the insulin-producing cells.
In diabetics, the insulin-producing cells produce only small amounts of the hormone.
The next logical step, then, is to look for renewable sources of insulin-producing cells.
Eventually, insulin-producing cells can shut down and stop producing the hormone completely.
A one-time transplant of healthy insulin-producing cells might solve the problem nicely.
GLP-1 also contributes to the health and survival of the insulin-producing cells in the body.
Also, diabetes may develop if the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas become damaged.