When a person’s body struggles in regulating their blood sugar(glucose) levels, amount of sugar in blood, they have diabetes. Type 2 is when the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone, but it does not allow the sugar to enter the cells. This poses a multitude of issues that make life more difficult on a person. A possible cure for type 2 is gene therapy. Gene therapy is a procedure in which the islets(groups of cells) of the pancreas are inserted with new beta(insulin producing) cells that are sensitive to blood sugar levels. The new cells would affect the many islets, so they can start creating effective insulin. People are not widely accepting of diabetic gene therapy. The tests have revolved around animal testing, rather than humans. However, once the procedure is approved and is considered safe, it will gain popularity. The costs are unclear. Our research suggests that most gene therapy is not cost effective. According to Reuters, “The Western world's first gene therapy drug is set to go on sale in Germany with a 1.1 million euro ($1.4 million) price tag, a new record for a medicine to treat a rare disease.”2
Gene therapy is a revolutionary step in the race to cure diabetes. It stops the symptoms of diabetes, like fatigue, dizziness, and rapid heart rate. The constant worry of a patient’s glucose levels is a lesser problem, as the pancreas can maintain the levels. With gene therapy, a patient doesn’t have to experience the more terrifying symptoms of diabetes; for example, surgery for getting toes removed, blindness, sores and cuts that won’t heal, uncontrollable hunger/ thirst, numbness/ tingling in the fingers and feet, and etc.
Gene therapy for diabetes has not been trialed enough on humans. The body can reject the different cells, even if they are stem cells (manipulative cells). Often times, the “cure” was not sustained for long periods of time. Gene therapy is not a cheap way to regulate or even cure diabetes.
In addition to this blog, we felt that we should add the opinions of various individuals on gene therapy.
With gene therapy for diabetes, would you let your child, with diabetes, go through with it?
A mother said, “I would only if the side effects are minimal”
Would you feel comfortable undergoing gene therapy?
A diabetic said, “Honestly, I would feel uncomfortable, but I would go through with it although the results aren’t promised to be successful.”
Can you see gene therapy becoming popular?
A teacher suggested that gene therapy for type 2 diabetes should be done. However, he only thought so if the therapy is not using stem cells from killing a fetus. He approves of inserting a gene into a person’s pancreas. He can definitely see it becoming a sure way of managing/curing diabetes.
If you were diagnosed, would you undergo the procedure?
A student said, “Gene Therapy can’t make the disease any worse. I would take my chances.”
In your opinion, would gene therapy be an effective way to deal with diabetes?
A person who has been involved with diabetes said, “Yes, because it would be a cure for diabetes. Once the research is adequate, it would be a permanent solution. With pills, a diabetic is simply “managing” their disease. A cure would be the most effective and definitely beneficial way to go.”
Gene therapy for diabetes is not an immoral act. The genes are being inserted into the pancreas, rather than morbidly mutating a fetus’ stem cells. It is essentially prolonging a diabetic life. This topic easily affects the stage of life we are in. We are at the age where people become diagnosed with diabetes. People should definitely consider re-designing this stage of life, as it affects many individuals. Using genetic engineering would benefit diabetics, even though it has not been widely tested on individuals.
Resources:
- Welsh, N. (2000, February 1). Prospects for gene therapy of diabetes mellitus. Retrieved February 23, 2015, from http://www.nature.com/gt/journal/v7/n3/full/3301134a.html
- Burger, L., & Hirschler, B. (2014, November 26). Exclusive: First gene therapy drug sets million-euro price record. Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/26/us-health-genetherapy-price-idUSKCN0JA1TP20141126
- Discovery's EdgeMayo Clinic's Online Research Magazine. (1998, January 1). Retrieved February 19, 2015, from http://www.mayo.edu/research/discoverys-edge/gene-therapy-regenerative-medicine-lend-hope-diabetes-treatment
- Diabetes. (2000, January 1). Retrieved February 19, 2015, from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/scic/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=SCIC&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&display-query=&mode=view&displayGroupName=Reference&limiter=&u=las89135&currPage=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&source=&search_within_results=&p=SCIC&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE|CV2191500357
- Could gene therapy cure diabetes? (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2015, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-177482/Could-gene-therapy-cure-diabetes.html
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