Scientists report interim results from clinical trials that are exploring the possibilities of a new treatment for type 2 diabetes. Stabilization of blood glucose levels occurs due to the removal of damaged cells from the duodenum – the procedure is performed in an hour on an outpatient basis.
According to recent studies, the duodenum plays an important role in the regulation of glucose levels, and in patients with type 2 diabetes, damage to the cells lining the intestine is observed. Pilot clinical trials are testing the ability to remove damaged duodenal cells to improve glucose regulation. results published on the University of Southern California website.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia using an endoscope and takes regarding an hour. Damaged cells are removed, thereby helping to restore the normal function of the rest.
The first patients have already been treated. For example, one of the first participants, 60-year-old Mark, had a continuous decrease in blood glucose levels following therapy in January of this year.
Currently, scientists continue to recruit volunteers who have a history of diabetes for at least three years.
“If the treatment proves to be effective in humans, then patients will be able to stop the progression of the disease and eliminate the need for an example of drugs,” said author Luke Putnam.
In the long term, the benefits of such treatment are enormous. Today, more than 400 million people live with type 2 diabetes, and despite the availability of drugs to control the disease, patients face severe complications of the disease throughout their lives.
Previously, in another study, scientists presented results of the use of the electronic pancreas. The device has proven effective in people with both types of diabetes.