Recent Developments

Stem Cell Transplant

Many of you will have heard the news today about stem cell transplants and the treatment of Type I diabetes.  For those who are interested the article is attached.  This is exciting news, although it is important to keep it in context in that this technique is in its very early stages and requires the use of quite toxic drugs.  However, it looks hopeful and i am sure there will be a lot interest in it over the next few years.

Article

On line support group

UK Children with Diabetes on line e-mail support group has been set up to provide support information and a discussion forum for families raising children with diabetes living in the UK.  To subscribe to the e-mail list, go to childrenswithdiabetes.com/uk/

Where there are instructions about how to subscribe or contact jackie.jacombs@childrenwithdiabetes.com

Insulin Pumps and Continuous Blood Glucose Measurement

Medtronic have produced a new pump linked with a continuous blood glucose monitor.  This may be viewed on their website Medtronic Diabetes.  The Leeds Diabetes Team hope to borrow the pump and monitor and please ask if you want more information.

Making every child with diabetes matter

Please click below to see a recent government document from the Department of Health on children with diabetes.  Any comments would be welcomed.

Thiamine Research - Vitamin B1

A number of parents have asked about a news item last week (BBC News) regards a deficiency in Thiamine in people with diabetes.  The study suggested that the high percentage of people both with type I and type II diabetes had low levels of Thiamine in the blood.  The study then concluded that supplementation with Thiamine may prevent the complications of diabetes.  Although this research is interesting, at present there is no evidence as yet that supplementation of Thiamine is of benefit or not.  It is likely that the low Thiamine levels are related to poor control of diabetes rather than poor dietary intake.  Thus of the combination of good control and healthy diet is the best way to minimise the potential risks of a low Thiamine level.  Please discuss at the clinic if you have any questions.

August 2007