stemceller's Journal: Stem cells could treat diabetes

CNNMoney.com June 24 2007: 1:30 PM EDT CNN reports on a new study in mice showing adult blood cells could potentially be a better source of insulin than embryonic stem cells for the development of potential a diabetes treatment: "Early-stage studies in mice have shown that adult blood could be a richer source of insulin-creating stem cells than fertilized eggs, according to Dr. Yong Zhao, assistant professor at the University of Illinois. If these test results are repeated in humans, it could possibly lead to a diabetes treatment that would avoid the controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells. Dr. Zhao, who presented his findings at the annual conference of the American Diabetes Association, emphasized the early-stage, experimental nature of his study results, which were funded by his Chicago-based university. Dr. Zhao said he intended to seek funding from the National Institutes of Health so he could begin human studies. But even if human studies are successful, potential treatments are years away. Dr. Zhao said it could take five years just to complete the first phase of human studies."