SCIENTISTS AT the University of Edinburgh have made a break-through in stem cell research that could result in significant progress in the treatment of diabetes.

SCIENTISTS AT the University of Edinburgh have made a break-through in stem cell research that could result in significant progress in the treatment of diabetes.

Dr Josh Brickman and his team of researchers at the University’s Institute for Stem Cell Research and Centre for Regenerative Medicine have discovered a new method of developing stem cells that will replicate the cells found in the liver and pancreas.

Previous methods were unsuccessful, as the cells created developed as a mixture and therefore created tumours once in contact with bodily organs. However, the Edinburgh scientists have now discovered a way to purify the cells to reduce the risk of tumours.

These new developments mean that purified cells can be produced from cell embryos under laboratory conditions, and then used to treat diabetes in place of insulin. The embryonic stem cells will be used to replace the damaged cells in the pancreas that inhibit the natural production of insulin in those who suffer from diabetes.

Dr Brickman stated that “for the first time, we have found a way to generate and purify precursors of liver and pancreatic cells.”

He continues, “remarkably these cells can grow in a dish, providing a renewable source for future applications in medicine.”

The development coincides with the launch of a hard-hitting campaign to raise awareness of diabetes in the UK.

A series of adverts developed by the country’s largest diabetes charity, Diabetes UK, aims to inform the public of the serious consequences of the disease, which include blindness, heart disease and amputation.

A recent report by the charity states that there are currently around 2.3 million diabetes sufferers in the UK, with a further 300 being diagnosed every day. The disease’s consequences are often underestimated, despite causing more deaths in the UK than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

According to Dr Brickman, further research will need to be conducted before the University’s discovery can be used in the treatment of diabetes.