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Stem cell research supported by those with diabetes, other illnesses

By Margaret Witt 

Sparta - Stem cell research is as controversial a topic as the death penalty. In December 2006, 17 research grants of about $300,000 each were awarded by the State of New Jersey to scientists in New Jersey. And the application process for this year’s awards has already begun. Regardless of the emotional and religious issues surrounding it, scientists are confident stem cell research will lead the way to understanding and curing many of the diseases humans suffer from today.

One disease which could benefit from such research is diabetes. Stanley Kelly, a resident of Sparta, was diagnosed with late onset Type 1 diabetes in 1995. Type 1 diabetes was previously know as Juvenile Diabetes because it was mainly diagnosed in children, but the number of cases that have been diagnosed in teens and adults has risen.

Kelly was diagnosed 12 years ago, after spending an entire night with an incredible thirst for water. He went to an endocrinologist immediately and was diagnosed with Type 1. The normal range of sugar levels according to the ADA is from 70 to 120. Kelly’s gluscose was tested at 600.

He knows it is unlikely, regardless of the number of grants and the speed of research, that stem cell research will actually help him soon, but, he said, “It gives me hope for the future.”

Once diagnosed, Kelly needed to learn how to properly care for himself. This he has done with the help of three experts. He recommends anyone diagnosed with diabetes seek them out: an endocrinologist, a nurse practitioner, and a support group. With their help, and with time, he has become a pro at taking care of himself. “One needs support in the beginning, especially with all there is to learn. And it always makes sense to have the support to keep up with the changes in technology,” said Kelly.

Though he no longer goes to a support group, he does meet with his diabetes educator, Chris Orr, of Newton Memorial Hospital. Orr keeps him up to date on the latest treatments available. “They send me a note to come for new info.”

One of the new technologies Kelly has taken advantage of is the Medtronic MiniMed insulin pump no bigger than a cell phone, which delivers the insulin through a tiny tube. Orr calls it an “artificial pancreas.” It can be worn anywhere on the body because of it’s compact size.

“It’s really for patients with intensive insulin therapy,” Orr said. It replaces the need for injections and many patients feel it is more convenient.

Along with the pump, Kelly has the latest monitoring system, the MiniMed Paradigm. “Continuous Glucose Monitoring” makes it possible to chart patients’ highs and lows, the effect of their diet and exercise, as well as their medication, because it monitors the blood sugar level every five minutes for three days at a time.

“It even has an alarm that goes off if my levels get too low: it vibrates, then the alarm goes off, and it gets louder and louder,” Kelly explained. Low glucose levels can lead to disorientation, fainting and other symptoms, including hostility to being helped, as anyone knows who has seen the movie “Steel Magnolias.” Orange juice is the standard remedy for increasing glucose rapidly

Orr is one of seven diabetes educators at Newton Memorial Hospital, reflecting the prevalence of the disease. Five dietitians and two nurses teach and are there for patients at the hospital, the Sparta Health and Wellness Center and the Milford Health and Wellness Center. “We have a comprehensive education program, nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association, meeting standards set forth by the ADA.”

Patients diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can meet with the dietitians and nurses one on one, take classes offered, and be part of a support group of patients who all know what they are going through. NMH also has had a “Diabetes Night Out” each November at an area restaurant for the last four years. This past year, more than 170 people participated.

When asked about the controversy surrounding stem cell research, Kelly noted, “Now they can get [the stem cells] from amniotic fluid, so that may take a big bite out of the arguments against it.” Orr agrees, and said, “With Corzine setting up stem cell research, it’s a step in the right direction.” Though she cautions that research is still 15 to 20 years from finding a cure, diabetes is one disease that is expected to be helped by stem cell research. The goal is to develop stem cells that can replace the cells in the pancreas that do not produce insulin.

For more information about Newton Memorial Hospital’s diabetes education programs, call 973-579-8340.
Article from strausnews.com