A Breakthrough for Diabetes Patients?

A revolutionary study conducted by scientists in the United States has found that a drug intended for treating high blood pressure has completely cured Type 1 diabetic mice. The drug, called "verapamil," is typically used to lower blood pressure and reduces the level of insulin-producing protein cells in the pancreas.

Scientists will soon begin testing on humans. These trials will cost $2.1 million, funded by the American Juvenile Diabetes Research Center. If the results are positive, experts say it could lead to a global revolution in diabetes treatment.

Professor Naim Shahada, head of the Juvenile Diabetes Unit at Rambam Hospital, told ynet Health that "this is a significant breakthrough." He added, "A follow-up study conducted on human beta cells found that verapamil significantly improved their function, so there is indeed room for optimism."

The Israeli Juvenile Diabetes Association also responded to the study: "We welcome the progress of the research and believe that this advance could have a broad impact on many patients in Israel and worldwide. The global diabetes research fund financed this study and is involved in numerous studies, all in the hope of finding a cure for the disease."