I have been a diabetic type one for 33 years. I believe that there is too much money being made in the US to cure this disease. If you really believe that the big drug manufacturers are going to allow anyone to take away their biliions and BIG bonuses, you must be high on crack!

Bill, Bluffton, USA

The advancements we read about seem to be made using the patients stem cells,not embryonic.The embryonic cells are used to make clones are they not?

Noelene, Launceston,

I am the mother of a 6 year old boy who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 6 months old and I prey everyday that there will be a cure it has been a long road and it breaks my heart everytime my 6 year old says mommy why do I have Diabetes I don't want this anymore!

Lorrie Roberts, Oshawa, Canada

Finally, as a mother of a type i diabetic, i rejoiced when President Obama allowed scientists to start studying the effacy of stem cells. What a waste of eight years--thankfully we are now on the right track, and with any luck my daughter, who is 12 and in seventh grade, will graduate college insulin free!!!

Abbe Levine, Jericho, NY,

my grand daughter is now 19 years old and developed type 1 diabetes at the age of 13. Who do we get in touch with too see about her gettting this treatment? god bless every child young adult and babies out there with this disease.

anne broughton, ashland ky, United States

I am 13 years old boy I was diagnosed with diabetes type 1 3 years ago, I'm in insulin novarapid & novamix. I've read about stem cells operation, I hope I can get this opportunity to get rid from these injections and live a normal life like other kids.

Mohammad, Hwalli, Kuwait

I was dected with diabeties when i was 13 . Since then i've have been trying to control my sugar leavel's with insuline and exercise. I always wished some miracle to happend so that i culd get rid of this disease. I wana live a normal life like all the other people of my age do. God bless you

Abhijeet, Ahmednagar, india

My nephew is now 10 years old & he was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 8-9months. How old does he have to be to start this treatment, where is it available & how much is the estimated cost of this?

M Dhanoa, Surrey, UK

Hi, I'm 34 years old and I hwas diagnosed with diabetes 2 years ago, and at that time the insulin level was low but I took tablets (metformin and pioglitazone in combination) but now I'm taking insulin and my doktor daignosed me as type 1 diabetes but without antibodies to insulin.

sherif abdelmoez aly, munich, germany

my brother is 28 yrs old and he has type 1 DM since 5 months, how can I treat him from that and where?
also what's the percentage of cure? and the cost of that?

Dr Islam Abouyoussef, Cairo, Egypt

I was diagnosed with diabetes 24 years ago. I am doing well with 4 shots a day. The real scare is complications. Always hope I won't live to encounter them. So, may God help and bless all those who try to spare us those threats.

samah, Cairo, egypt

Hi.i'm 24 and i got this disease since '97 (12 years ago).I read your messages and i cry,and i'm sure i'm not the only one,there are milions of people who read this and cry,unable to do nothing.I want to have a life,a job,a wife and kids,i don't want to sit in a bed,blind,kidney failiure and no legs

Tony, Oradea, Romania

I am a diabetic patient, Can I take go through this Stem cell therapy? How much time and what amount of money will it require

Prakash More, Doha, Qatar

Embryonic Stem Cell research has stolen millions of dollars away from this adult stem cell research. Adult Stem Cell Research as favored by President Bush has produced over 70 human cures with many more in late stage testing in contrast media darling embryonic stem cell research has produced 0.

Bill Heath, Tucson, USA

Read the comments from those who are or have children who are diabetics. That tells you all you need to know. Lets hope it paves the way for a real cure for all - I think this is a positive development although not a cure.

Paul, Brighton,

alot of this research was done in Brazil so it doesn´t really matter what bush thinks the research will still continue. you don´t take antibiotics you need to take imunosupressors to stop the antibodies you create attacking the new stem cells like they did the cells origonally in your pancreous.

Ben Marshall, corralejo, Canary islands

hi, i've been a diabetic for about 10 years and i am glad to hear that there is hope for a cure and that a man in london has been cured of diabetes after he got surgery and some blood transplants. But to say that there is a cure coming within the next few years, i think that i could wait alittle

kamal, Binghamton, United States

Hello, Intresting reading and hopes on Diabetics, I am type 2 "dia>>>>>>betic. Past 2 years i m with docter , with confidence docter give you few Aventia, the gulgomnie then water pill BP pill Cholostrol pill Glucomin 250-500 then 1000 mil Twice a day . no cure diabetic still 200 leavel always

Johnny John, fort hood, tx

i am 18 and i have been a diabetic for 4 years. i had no idea about a cure until i had to look up the possible cures that stem cell research could bring. this is very uplifting information however i dont believe that they will offer the cure any time soon they make too much money on the medicine.

Dameon Childers, HIllsdale, USA

Ok! finally some actual progress :DI'm a 15 year old type one diabetic, and I've been so for 4 years.
Why hasn't this life-changing information been all over the news???!!!!I had never known we were even close to a cure until a friend in Europe told me.
EVERYONE IN THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS

Gillian, Longueuil , Canada

hi i have been type 1 indapendent diabetic for the last two years. i am 14 years old and it has been hell for me and my mother. it is sooo uplifting to hear us getting closer and closer to getting a cure.i remember them saying that they had no idea where type 1 came from.

kayla k., anchorage,

Hi,
I am 22 years old and i am suffering from Type 1 diabetes for the last 2 years. Why do we need to take antibiotics if the stem cells were obtained from our own blood stream? Doesnt our body recogninze our own stem cells? Does taking antibiotics for a long term might bring in other complicaion?

Bobby, chennai, India

my daughter is 7 now.10 months back she was diagonsed with type 1 diabetes.ever since its been a roller coster ride for me and my daughter.we both are shocked and coping and learning day by day.but however hard i may try i cannot take away the pain of needles from her.CAN ANYTHING HELP?

urooj shahnawaz, al-jubail, saudi arab

I have just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and hate needles. I am 41 yrs old have always been healthy and active at the moment i'm still in shock and can noy get into my head i have to inject to stay well...I will try anything to get rid of the needles.

Margaret Middleton, Harrogate, England

my son is 4 and has type 1 diabetes just found out 2 weeks ago please help him if possible would love to take it away from him.

saban palej, preston, lancashire,uk

I have type 1 diabetes i am 42 years of age i have had it the last 6 years i would be willing to try anything

Adrian Taplin, Southampton, United Kingdom

My son is type 1 diabetic and is only four years old.It break's my heart when he cry's because i have to give him his injections,he has four injections a day and he thinks that when he is ten like his sister he wont have to have them (please god)you will find a cure for him and many more.

william christopher williams, neath, west glamorgan

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in SEPTEMBER 1994, I am 23 years old and have to take an insulin shot each time i eat anything. I would owe it to my little boy if this stem cell cure would work for me. I would be willing to give it a try. Please help me! I beg of you!

Rhiannon Moeller, West Columbia, South Carolina, USA

I have Type1 diabetes now for last 10 yrs.I am taking insulin twice a day since 2 years. I want to know will stem cell theraphy fully cure type 1 diabetes? Is there any side effects of this now or in future? When will stem cell therapy going to be introduced in India.

anjali baldota, Pune, India

i have has diabetes for 35 years and have been takin insulin injections all that time started from 2 shots a day now i am on 4 a day i have lost hope in someone finding a cure! its been going on for some time but there is nothing concrete and now its really getting to me

ahmed, dewsbury , west yorkshire

I have had type 1 diabetes now for 6 years. Although it did me a few favours like losing weight, stopping smoking and changing my whole diet I would like to be cured as I have had a few complications. I really hope that the stem cell procedure is brought onto the NHS! I pray to be cured!

Maria, Gloucester, UK

Hi, I am having type 1 diabetes since 3 years. I am taking insulin twice a day since 2 years. I want to know will stem cell theraphy fully cure type 1 diabetes? Is there any side effects of this now or in future? When will stem cell therapy going to be introduced in India.

Deepika Gulati, Pune, India

This is pretty amazing! I am from the US and my grandfather actually also has type 1 diabetes, he has to take blood sugar tests after every meal and gets 1-2 insulin shots a day. this might be a major breakthrough, but i hope it is released to the public before he dies ='[

Daniel, Springfield, USA

My 10 year old son was Diagnosed in Oct 2007 it was a shock for us all. Since then we have done alot of reading around this area. It is ever so nice to hear how much is put in to find a cure. Stem cell therapy seems to be a big break through

Tinu, Edmonton, UK

My husband is suffering from Diabetic type 1 and is 32 years old he is on insuline injection from 15 years any update when this threapy will arrive in UAE..?

Saba, DUbai, UAE

I have a 7 year old son who has type 1 diabetes since he was 5 years. Now he is taking insulin twice a day. we r staying in Tamilnadu in India. Is stem cell theraphy will fully cure type 1 diabetes? When is stem cell therapy going to be introduced? And when is stem cell theraphy come in India?

Sathya, Ramanathapuram, India

hi every1, i have just been diognosed as type 1 diabetic, it was 10th may 2007 when i found this out, so its just over a year now. my blood sugar levels are all over the place still and its so hard not to eat the things you like. im 17 years old and i have cried sometimes thinking that im a diabetic

ryan, southport, merseyside

I am a 34 year old type 1 diabetic, I have been for 28 years. I am in the early stages of kidney failure, I have a 2 year old son and want to know when is this treatment going to happen.With all the meds I take I spend $300 a month.Hope that soon diabetics will be able to get stem cell help.....

Lionel, Avon,Co, U.S.A

I have a 13 year old son who has type 1 diabetes since he was 8 years. After 3 years of being diagnosed his diabetes became brittle and we couldn't control him. After many investigations the doctors changed his insulin. He is more controlled now. When is stem cell therapy going to be introduced?

Susan, Msida, Malta

I am 33yrs. old. I have been a type 1 Diabetic for 21yrs. I recently found out that I am in my earl stages of kidney disease. Since day 1 it has been hard to control. I hope they find a cure before it takes my life!

Jill, Illinois, USA

I have had Type 1 now for nearly 2 and a half years. My blood sugars are out of control- especially late evening early morning time. My GP can't help me. I feel ill and tired all the time and get very breathless. l would do anything to get cured. Is it possible to buy a cure?

Fiona, Sheffield, U.K

I have had type1 for 46years and am at my wits end with it. Although I have coped well and have had a reasonable life style with it I am now finding it very hard to controll my blood sugar levels. I am following the DAFNE course, but find I am having hypos every day or high Bg.Stem cells needed.

valda kirkup, beverley, england

I have had Type 1 for 24 years. I have been very fortunate to not have any serious complications, even though I am not easily controlled. Living with this has been a pain in the neck (or rather, the stomach and the arms...), but I don't really remember NOT living with it to compare anything. I would love to not have to worry about it...if I could get beta cell implants. I would love to be able to eat a meal without having to worry about how much insulin should I take...or will anyone notice if I take a shot here...or even worse, when I go to the eye doctor, will this be the visit when I'm told I have retinopathy?!

I just don't want to worry about it anymore! When I was pregnant, everything was a hassle. I couldn't enjoy it because I had to worry about the kids getting sick because of my blood sugar level. I can never do anything easily. I had to get my wisdom teeth taken out at a hospital so they could monitor my sugar. PLEASE PLEASE CURE DIABETES!!!

Ro, Long Island, New York

I have had type one for almost for almost 4 years. I am very optimistic on this research and hope that it won't take much longer to be availible to the greater population. I am a senior in high school getting ready to graduate, and even though diabetes didn't slow my sports down or community involvement, it would be nice to know how i could participate in such trials or at least see the requirements to participate.

Stephen Woodruff, Fort Lupton, USA/Colorado

I am 15 years old and I think it is cool for people to being cure by stem cells. Many people need this diagnosis to live on there lives. My uncle is 41 and has just been diagnoised with diabetes type2. Its not that bad but it will soon get worse if he doesnt take care of it.

Elizbeth, New Britain, Connecticut

It's nice to read about people being cured by using stem cells. My thoughts are, there is so much information about these cures. My daughter has type 1 diabetes and we have been living with it for over 15 years. Promises have been made that a cure was just over the horizon. this was 15 years ago. Since much money is made by the manufacturing of diabetic equipment, it looks like there will never be a cure. If only, instead of reading about 10-15 people being cured using stem cells, how about giving us information on how we can apply for this service. Help!!

Fred, Rome, New York

It is interesting that an industry (diabetes treatment) that has grown into the trillions of dollars annually has been unable to find a cure. I have been an insulin dependent (type 1) diabetic for 40 years. I have a sister who also is a type 1. The newer monitoring/delivery systems are "cool" but produce tons of medical waste each year.
I see our government actively fighting stem cell research claiming embryonic harvesting as the "horrible consequences" of this research. Odd that the Brazilian trials successfully used the patients own stem cells.....
Of course the drug and insurance industries are both lucrative and able to influence the legislature through incredible amounts of campaign contributions. I may be a cynic, but then even a paranoid can have enemies.......

Dan Carlisle, Magnolia, USA,

I´m 30 years old and have had diabetes since I was 3. I haven´t had any problems because I have taken good care of myself, those people who have diabetes and have problems with their sight, limbs or kidney failure probably have those problems because they didn´t take very good care of themselves. Diabetes is something you can live with, but you have to do it right. Please stop moaning!

Tessa, Canary Islands, Spain

My son is 27 he has been diabetic since he was 5. Have you ever lived with anyone who has this ILLNESS,my son is an absolute nightmare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has hypos nearly everyday his attitude is that he just doesn't care about himself so why bother,diabetes is not only a medical condition threatening lives the phsycological problems I believe to be as bigger threat to their lives,my son has tried to commit suicide twice!!!!!!!! and you people want to stop any kind of progress with regards to a cure. I want my son to be able to lead a normal life to be able to leave home but if we let him leave we are signing his death warrant, he has hypos without prior warnings,so it's usually too late for him to help himself hence the reason why there nearly always has to be someone nearby. Not only is this ILLNESS ruining his life but it is also ruining that of his young brother mine and his fathers life, the worst thing is there is just no help available for him.

bernadette gonzalez, wirral, United Kigdom

I have type 1 diabetes for 15+ years. Recently I have started seeing the side effects of it. It is a silent killer... Anyway the problem is people, who do not have diabetes, do NOT understand how it feels to have diabetes and they block any stem cell research .

The problem is that one of these retarded people is GW Bush, who happens to be the US president...The fact that this guy says that allowing stem cell research kills innocent embryos, is simply hypocritical, when he orders waterboarding and unjustified wars.

Gordon Lipper, Bethesda, USA

Im 22 years old and have had diabeties for 11 years, I try very hard not to let it get me down or to worry about going blind, loosing a limb or haveing kindney failure. but i already have mild problems with my kidneys. And 2 of my family members have died of complications one lost his leg.
If i could have 1 wish it would to be healthy. When I was growing up I was very rebellious and felt like there was no point in trying hard in school or getting a career because i propably wouldnt be healthy when i got older.
Now things have really improved in Diabeties care and I realise that I do have a future and am studying for a degree.
But I get so dishartend when people with no understanding of the disease or of life with diabeties stand in the way of research. I believe people like Bush stand in the way of research because of the huge drug industry in America.

Eilis Kinsella, London, uk

Hi I am an older sister of a 10 year old diabetic. She was diagnosed when she was 7 and ever since she takes up to eight shots a day and checks her sugar even more.

I am wishing, hoping, praying fora cure because as much as i have my sisterly quarrells with her, shes only a young girl who isn't living out her potential because she is held back by this disease.

Alexandra, evans, USA, GA

I am lucky. My lifestyle up until 10 years ago was at times rather self destructive with bouts of alcohol and cigarrettes. Binge drinking smoking is really a good way to get type 2 diabetes. I changed my life and did a degree at 48. I now have marginal blood sugar if Im not careful and I really feel for those who have any form of diabetes. I feel there is not enough research being done to even just collect patients histories of lifesyles which has lead to any trouble with high blood sugar. One goes to a GP and gets all types of opinions and vague information. And then you realise you have been pushing towards a disease without knowing it. The goals that you have set yourself in life may not happen. There must be a way to reverse this illness.

Charles, Alice Springs, Austarlia/NT

hi my name is kieran,im a type 1 diabetic since i was 7,im 26 now,i really hate it,its so annoying to live with it and inject yourself everyday,it would be like a dream come true if someone found a cure,i agree with lisa above,im all for stem cell research,if the people that were against it had what we had they wouldnt be long changing their minds,

kieran enright, cork, ireland

hi my name is jamil and i m only 20 years old now and i m suffering diabetic Type 1 for 1 years.everyday i m teking insulin 3 times a day and my life become hell and i m studing in UTS.IS THERE ANY CURE FORM THIS DIASTER LIFE?I M LIVING IN SYDNEY

jamil, lakemba, Australia/NSW

I would love to be a candidate for the research in hopes for a cure. I have been a diabetic for 22 years.

Allison, Barboursville, WV

my son is now aged 8 1/2 and has diabetes type 1 since he was 4... i actually diagnosed him myself... took him to the doctor with all the symptoms, doctor said.. i doubt it... we will give him a blood test and i will try to get a sample of blood and test for high bgl's... he rang me back within 40 minutes and told me to get to Westmead Children's Hospital (Sydney) and could i make it within 40 minutes... sure , i was at least 80 minutes away... well we made it and yes it was Juvenille Diabetes... he now struggles everyday, and so do I and his father... with this hideous disease... when his youngest brother was born we took the cord blood and are just hoping and praying that there will be a cure soon..... another thing about those idiots that don't belive in stem cell experimentation, i would presume that they had never been in contact or had to deal with a child who's disease could be cured, am sure that if one of their loved ones was ill then the legislation would be overturned.......

Lisa, Tewantin, Australia

i wonder if the stem cell vonder will work on type 1 patients who had been diabetic for long time as the doctors of brazil have made trials on type 1's who have been very recently diagonised and who according to them may be going through a phase called honey moon phase where the type 1 diabetic does not need insulin for a short while . i hope they experiment on type 1 patients who have been diabetic for more than 5 years. --tanya ,hyderabad

jeyashree , hyderabad, imdia

I am Diabetees II had diabetes since 20 years. I am now 54 years old and frustrated with this disease.
Does this work for Diabetes II.If so can I get a connection?

sameeh Noubani, Doha, Qatar

Hi,iam 24 and about 2 years ago i discovered that iam type 1 diabetic,i am taking insuling regularly even then iam not able to control sugar levels under specified limits,Even after avoiding fats,sugars iam not able to keep sugar level under control,Its effecting my eyes and i have reduced vision now,Please suggest me what to do,whome to conatct.

Amit, pune, India

At 14 before coming to period i found type1 diabetes. generally i am suffering during period only. i am taking insulin shots. i have hope that it will be cured. i stay at mumbai in India. can u suggest where/whom to approach

varsha ravindra bhatt, mumbai, india

im 29 and have suffered with type one diabetes since 12. i recently gave birth to my first child a healthy baby girl. During my pregnancy i suffered eye and kidney problems. im still recieving treatment for my eyes laser and steroid injections. going blind and not seeing my daughter haunted me to the point of suicidal thoughts what keeps me strong is my daughter she needs me and thats why more than ever i need a cure i need to be here for my daughters life more than ever not a day go's by where im scared that something will happen to me from my diabetes and i wont be here i take care of myself but i would like to ask everyone who is apposed to stem cell reaserch to look at my daughter through my eyes

sarah mawer, sunshine, victoria/ australia

Im 14 in the USA, the most anti stem cell country in the world (or at least it feels like it is). Ive had it since i was 3. I remember my entire life of shots and insulin pumps and at one point, you stop caring. The only thing that matters is the cure. I dont care anymore if it kills a fetus (main argument of anti stem cell research) If you give me a knife, i'll do it myself. But... I just dont care anymore. I just want it gone. Forever. People who dont have diabetes dont want the stem cell research. They dont know what its like. They never will, until they have type two, and even then, they dont know how us Juvenile diabetics suffer.

Alex, Dayton, Ohio, USA

Hi all!
Heartening indeed to hear of the hopefulness of the clinical trials of stem cell therapy on diabetics. Are there any other trials in any other part of the world? Is this still at the clinical trial stage or is there some place on this planet where stem cells are being used to cure diabetics?
If you know of some such place please let us know!!!!!

janet prem, Bangalore, India

my girlfriend has been suffering from Type 1 diabetes for 19 years. now she is 22. she takes 2 times insulin injection daily. i want to marry her. but my family doctor and my parents prevent me from marrying her. but we love each other a lot.now i am 25. at this age i am well established. so i want to spend whatever amount of money for her complete cure............. please help me..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i want to have my love and lover forever.................. please ....................

kolkata, west bengal, india.

dilip goswami, jamnagar, india

Hi im Aimee
im 16 and live in the UK and ive had type 1 for about seven years...and it sucks.
Its so inconvenient, and being a total ditz, i find it incredibly difficult to keep up with all the neccessary injections and blood tests etc. Every time i go to the check ups i get told the same things about blindness etc and i can see how it frustrates my mum but i cant seem to get a grip on it. i wish there was a cure and its so annoying they keep saying "breakthrough!" and then actually it turns out its not. I just want to get rid of it.

Aimee, Exeter,

Someone please help me!!!!!! My daughter was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at 11 months old. We have only been dealing with this for one month. Someone please tell me more about this! My husband and I are struggling and I can't stand the thought of my daughter living with this for the rest of her life.
Beth
California
uscdh2002@aol.com

Elizabeth , Lomita, California

My 9 year old stepson has type 1 juvenile diabetes. He was diagnosed a year ago and currently takes 5 shots a day. My best friends 11 year old son was also diagnosed with type one diabetes about 4 months ago and also is taking 5 shots a day. Please keep me informed of any clinical trials that might be available to help these two boys that are very important in our lives. Experimental trials that are available are so difficult to find. My step son currently lives in Germany which might provide him more opportunities for such trials. It seems that our own country is limited by Congress. Please help, if anyone knows of any possible trials that might be open to provide my two guys a better life.

Regina Ferrell, Richmond Hill, USA/Georgia

I dont care how they get thestem cells as long asthey get them. If its from a bunch of un born un wanted and unneeded embryos I dont care I would rather have my tax money spent on that then to pay for all the loser ignorant lazy welfare bums and thier criminal kids. If i can make it so can anyone. However the cell reserch needs to go big its time to test in as many patients as will volenter. Slaughter all the would be bush babies to get the cells if needed thenhis familycanpay for all those they have killed in thename of freedom something he knows nothing about. My wife Has type 1 and has for 30 years now. As a result she is a 48 year old with Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetic Retinopathy, Cardial Myopathy, Kidney Damage, and Several other problems from poor cerculation because of the effects on Blood Viens to the uneding cramps in muscles to being Anemic. All this because some bible thumper put the breaks on Research. What a shame. The many out weight the needs of the few.

David Christensen, LAWTON, USA / OK

Hi Everyone -- I just wanted to know if anyone has heard of any clinical trials for Diabetes 1? I have a 12 year old nephew that has Type 1 - and he is very upset . If anyone could let me know about stem cell research trials My sister would love to get him into one of the trials and I would greatly appreciate it. I think if we can put a man on the moon and that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars-- we should be able to find something to help these kids with this illness.

Ro, Denver, Co

I would like to propose we form an organization as a group!

I have an 8 year old boy who was dagnosed with type 1 diabetes a week ago; before that time I did not give it a second thought!
As I read through the articles it only motivates me to form an organization that will collect donations (I would start by contributing $500) We need to form a panel of individuals that will check to make sure any monies collected are used for the sole cause of diabetes treatment.

Rudy, Provo, USA

Rudy Banuelos, Provo, UTAH

What is exciting about this diabetes stem cell treatment is that it uses the person's own stem cells. This eliminates the immunity and rejection complications that always exist when embryonic stem cells are used. There has never been any successful cure from embryonic stem cell research but there are dozens from stem cell research that derive from other sources (patent's own bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, etc.). New research was reported last week that even the earliest types of stem cells can be derived from a person's own skin! President Bush is now vindicated in his refusal to allow taxpayer money to for embryonic stem sell research -there is now no reason to ever seek stem cells from cloning and killing embryos.

Kenneth Fleck, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, USA

Hello,
I'm a Type 1 Diabetic and have been for 12 years now. I was diagnosed when I was only 8 years old. i was on shots for 11 years and switched to the insulin pump a year ago.
I have heard about all of these positive outcomes of stem cell treatment. That's why it angers me so when President Bush cuts the federal budget for stem cell research! i know most of you are probably from the UK, but i was wondering what you're budget is for the research.
If anyone knows of any clinical trials in the USA please let me know!! My email is twirlgirl_88@yahoo.com. I would love to participate in one!
Hopefully, Diabetes will soon be cured and the stem cell treatment will be easily available to everyone who suffers from Diabetes!!!!

Katie, Urbana, USA

I'm an eighteeen year old boy diagonised to be diabetic at the age of 16.. Studying about the arrival of thenew stem cell theory, I'm very eager to have a catch on it.. I diligently ask you to continue with your research at a full swing and help in bringing forward this therapy globally.. with best regards,
Indian

Dinakar, Chennai, India/Tamil nadu

My son is 17. He was diagnosed Type 1 when he was 13.
From being a small boy, all he ever wanted to be was a pilot. Sadly not to be because of his Diabetes. I love him with all my heart. I cried for weeks when we found out. I went through emotions and, unforgivable thoughts, such as "Why mine son", "Why couldn't it be some bad person", Why couldn't it be me instead", all perfectly normal emotions that many mum's must feel! I do though, believe a cure is imminent. I cannot however, understand why the powers that be, won't allow the use of umbilicle stem cells to be used. They are not causing any distress, damage, pain or distruction to any human. Whats the problem!!! I too would love to know where i can find that cure for my son!
Gill
Bridgend
United Kingdom

Gillian Marchant, Bridgend, Wales. UK

I empathize with anyone having to deal with diabetes. I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic 9 years ago at 42 years old. One year later I was in a diabetic coma with heart, lung, and kidney failure. As if that wasn't enough, I also lost the vision in my left eye. I too, hope for a cure. My insurance company had initially turned me down for an insulin pump. What a shame that it took literally dying to finally qualify for one. I am grateful for that, but it still does not stabilize my blood sugars. The damage diabetes does to the major organs is frightening. I try not to think about it, but unless the United States government gives the green light for stem cell treatment, future generations will continue to suffer. If everyone had to live with this disease for just 1 week, I bet there would be leaps and bounds to eradicate diabetes. If there are any stem cell research groups in the Denver area I would be willing to participate.

Alisabeth, Arvada, USA Colorado

Looking for a cure became our family's journey when our son, Logan was diagnosed with Type I
diabetes when he was a beautiful, cherubic two year old. The disease at that time was not poorly understood, it was totally misunderstood. We were told by the endocrinologist at Medical University Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina to keep him healthy because there would be a cure when he was in his early 20's. We were so hopeful, we asked, "do you really think so?" and we were told, "I know so!". Needless to say, we lived each day with that thought in mind. He is 28, and the hopes and promises we hear today, have not changed. The most painful awareness of it all, however, is to know that a cure is only available to those able to pay. I will weep for my son tonight and smile at him tomorrow and continue to give him hope.....who will give me an assurance that the ethics that withholds a cure for my son, will also assure me that a cure will be available to everyone equitably. Burgess, SC

Gloria J. Burgess, W. Columbia, USA/SC

My mother 70 yrs of age she is diabetic , hypertensive, thyroid glad has been removed 32yrs. ago she is over weight
and she is unable to walk has her kneen joint bones have woren out now my wife gave birth to a girl child and we have save the stemcells of her and her [ the baby ]blood group and my mother's blood group is same B + so kindly suggest me the best method to solve this problem of my mom
Amogh,
Bangalore- INDIA

Amoghavarsha, BANGALORE, INDIA

Please If someone would tell me where to take my husband. he is 44 just was told he has type1 diabetes. went in last week sugar over 500 and we want to get the stem cell treament. We are in the US and willing to travel. Thanks Jeanelle

Jeanelle, Weatherford, US Texas

To "manoj verma, moscow, russia". Let me guess. Payment will be required in advance once accepted via an on line application. Only method of payment will be by Western Union or bank wire to a party in Indonesia or Honk Knog.

Mike, Mill Creek,

I have been a Diabetic since 1962 ,from the days you were starved. Unfortunately from recent complications I have found out that no matter how well controlled you are, problems are down the line it is just a matter of time. Here in Britain the cost of Diabetic treatment ,heart , kidney , eye and circulation problems are crippling the NHS (type 2 seem to be the worst). I think proper stem cell research / treatment is desperately need before the whole NHS collapses . My complications took 44 & 45 yrs to come , it seems to me that the type 1`s are trying the type 2`s whwere given a good Pancreas but let bthemselves go to pot are ruining the country .

Michael Murphy, london, uk

Hello Everyone suffering from diabetes You will we fully cured of diabetes from stem cells 100% in moscow russia Russian scientists were the first to discover stem cells and started research 50 years back They are far ahaed in stem cell biotech I am associtated with a stem cell treatment hospital which is approved for stem cells treatment by ministry of health russia So nothing to worry Hospital stay for 10 days is required and the cost is roughly 30,000 dollars U.S.D If any one is interested an wants more information please feel free to contact me Thanks Presently I am in new delhi india

manoj verma, moscow, russia

I am 24 years old , now married , at the age of 5 i got type I diabities. I am taking daily two shots of insuline. I have heard a lot about doctors trying ti find a life long cure by Stem cell. I wish God helps them to find afailproof cure for type I Diabities there by curing millions accross the globe. I am married since last 18 months , now i wish to have a baby but am reluctant as i fear my child would also be diabitic. Is there a fool proof system available on date that if addapted by would ensure a healthy baby. I reside in India Chennai city , and look for a suggession . Kindly help. God bless.

avni Kedia, Chennai, India

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10. I am now 22 years old and have been struggling with this disease every day for the past 12 years. I am glad to say I have no compications, but I know it is only a matter of time. I just want to say god bless and good luck to all of the doctors and scientists working on adult stem cell research. You are making my dream of a cure for this horrible disease come closer to reality! Thank you!!

Lori, San Diego, Ca

I have had type 1 for more than 30 Years and I am blind in one eye and now have a lot of health issues, my control is excelent but this condition destroys your life, I am a desperate young man who wants a life not to be going with out these trial have to speed up as my children are coming of age and I fear one of them will have this condition.

We need this cure fast,

John Gray, Perth, Western Australia

Hi!
My name is Pervez Shamim from Los Angeles, California. I am a type-2 diabetic for the last 20 years. Yesterday I received adult stem cells in a Chinese Medical University Hospital. Prodedure has been developed in two American Medical Universities but thanks to Bush, it is being offered only in Argentina and China.

I am the first from the USA to receive the stem cells in China and folks there told me that a full fledged Stem Cell Center will be ready with in 18 months, consolidating all aspets e.g. Pre-operation tests, stem cell extractions and post surgery care will be consolidated under one roof.

I was told that I should start to feel better within a month and diabetes reversal by the end of three months.

They plan to offer stem cell treatments for various conditions soon.

Wish me luck.

pervez Shamim, Torrance, California, USA

I have had Diabetes since i was 8 years old and 10 years on i still am struggling with the idea of injecting myself 5 times a day. I have a partner who is very supportive of diabetes although the understanding is still growing. I have handled Diabetes exceptionally well throughout my life with constant balanced blood sugar levels and excellent dieting. I have dreamed, day upon day that a cure would come out. Reading through these articles has made me cry for hours. I have the fear that when i have children, they will also have it. I hope that this time, this cure will be the one as many, many, many times has there been a mention of a cure and i am yet to see one. Good luck to all the scientists who strive every day to help us. I hope God's on our side. :'(

James, Mytchett, United Kingdom / England / Surrey

a loved one very dear to me has type one diabetes. it has made it difficult for him to afford schooling and many more things in life. he is very young and of course it is hard emotionally as well as physically. i know he is only one of very many who are forced to sacrifice so much in order to continue paying for all the medical things he needs to survive. let our generation be the last to suffer. get the word out that there is chance for a cure. support those reseachers as they are on the verge of miracles. good luck to you all.

Brianne Behrend, Idaho falls, Idaho

I hope a cure will be found soon, my friend was just diagnosed with Diabetes last week, and I really hope that she doesn't have to live with it all her life.

Michael, Melbourne, Australia

Me and every other diabetic out there sure wolud like to know which Presidential Candidate is for stem cell research. Maybe that person should focus their campaign on doing surveys on how may votes they would get for backing and prommising to find a cure for all of the debilitating diseases . I am sure that for every "one", type 1 diabetic, there would be at least all the backing and votes from those family meambers. The family members want a cure also. Myself,I have been a type 1 diabetic for more than 25 years and 3 years ago my 9 year old was diagnosed. It have been very hard taking care of two diabetics, mentally and financial wise. So, if any one who is diabectic, etc., if you get to oppertunity to approach a presidential candidate, put the bug in their ear.
ALL OF MY DIABETIC FAMILY MEMBERS, STAND STRONG!!!!

Beth, Alkol, West Virginia

I wish all typ1 diabetes Experts(immunologists and co.) to expand this method and to cure typ1 diabetics after long,long 80 years!
I think, it is really the time for a cure. I wish good luck Dr.Burt and all other scientist experimenting with stemm-cells to cure type one diabetes. It would be great to make some experiments in Europe with stemm cells and i'm sure many of diabetics would like to participate.

Best Wishes

Dawid, Wien, Austria

I hope there will soon be a cure! I have only been a diabetic for about 3 years I was diagnosied when I was about 17. I live in the uk and didn't think twice about the possiblity of having diabeties. But after I had lost over 2stone in 1 month I finally went to the doctors and then was rushed into hospital whith a blood sugar of 75mmol/l at which time the nurses were stunned to see it so high and me be fine. However after a week in hospital I stablised and am now coping. But I still find it really hard it it anoys me so much, testing, injecting and tbh I dont do it alot of the time, because I just get sick of it. However when I get an infection I get back on track.

Thanks to all the doctors out there who are working hard to find a cure!

Tony Partridge, Douglas, Isle of Man, UK

I am a 36 year old woman with Type I Diabetes. I was diagnosed at 11 years old. I hope and pray everyday that a cure is around the corner. Not necessarily for me (although that would be an added bonus) but for the young and newly diagnosed. I have a seven year old daughter and I worry that she may someday be diagnosed with this disease. This study gives me hope that if that horrible possibilty becomes a fact that she may be cured and not have to endure what I have. Don't get me wrong....I appreciate everything that has already occurred...the progress and technology that has made this disease so much more manageable since my diagnosis 25 years ago. I can still remember the days of "sweet n low", urine testing, the first glucometers (they were big and heavy), having to eat the same amount every day whether you were starving or full, pork insulin, etc.
My thanks to all the Doctors and researchers for their hard work and dedication. I also thank anyone that has ever made a donation

Tawnya, Roseville, CA / USA

I have just been diagnose with diabetes type 1 and I find it very hard and upsetting. No seemed to have helped me much when it came to give me advice, even the nurses at the hospital had scared me. I have almost fallen into the category of depression and being sort of mentally ill. But ive over come it with the help of my friends and family. My mum had been the biggest support for me and I live with a hope that one day there will be a cure!

harpreet, birmingham,

I have had Diabetes since the age of three and i am now 17 years of age. I have also been'Blessed' with Coeliac Disease since the age of 9, And at times yes i do find it difficult,depressing and upsetting. But then again theres always someone worse off then yourself. I believe that if theres a logical way out of a situation like this. Rise up and take the challenge! Even if it does get you down.
I hope that when i am older i do not have to let this weight burn down upon my childrens lives.

Josh, Denbigh, North Wales

I am diabetic since 1998 my age now is 36 i have three kids one of them who is just 2 years old is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes,My doctor told me to take care for at least two years only as there is 99% possibilty that this disease will be cured,So let hope .I am really eager to hear stem cell can cure diabetes.

Akber Versi, Dar es salaam, Tanzania

I've been diabetic now since the age of 8, and am now 26. That being said I live a basically normal life with my husband and my daughter. In the last few years I've had more problems, but not as bad as some of the stories I've read here. I'd like to see diabetes cured, and have no objection to stem cell research. More than anything though I'd like to see it for the children that have diabetes, I've lived with it for this long, what's a little longer. I was told by my specialist that diabetes would be cured by the year 2000, and you know he was pretty close, but these procedures need to be made available before more people are forced to live with this disease longer than need be.

Cathy, Prince Albert, Canada

You are always talking about Type I cure which is a minority issue. Is this new treatment applicable to Type II also? who have become insulin dependent. After all, conversion of type I to Type II is due to insulin dependance. Also the talk of large scale cure in another 8 years is disheratening. When there is no side effect observed for 3 years why should the treatment be suspected and delayed further. Simultaneous study can go on and the lives of many persons can be made better immediately. I hope the researchers will give due thought to this.

KR dasharathi, Bangalore City, India/Karnataka

Some people need to read more. Adult stem cells, e.g. bone marrow, are not pluri-potent, being that they do not easily mutate into a cell that anyone can use. They already have specialized characteristics--which is why donors would have to be a match on 6 counts--which is difficult to find. The procedure also hurts like crazy, which makes gaining volunteers more difficult. That being said, everyone should consider joining a bank, because you can make a difference for someone.

Embryonic stem cells are leftovers from fertility clinics, where women with fertility issues go to try to conceive. The leftover embryos would be dumped in the garbage otherwise. I think the chance to help anyone, child or adult, with their pain than be on high horse with self-righteousness is the truly ethical choice.

Shannon, Washington, DC

Are you aware that obtaining embryonic stem cells involves cloning and killing an innocent human life? And apart from the ethical side, there are SO many problems with cloning!

Clones are genetically identical, which mean they're all prone to the same problems. A single virus could kill all of them. This makes clones genetically unstable, and extremely prone to illness and mutation. Only about 3-4% of cloned animals live for more than three weeks. Even Dolly, the famous cloned sheep, died at a far younger age than most sheep.

Embryonic cells are very unpredictable, and there's no knowing what they might become. These cells are also dangerous because it's impossible to completely distinguish the stem cells from cancer cells. So far, scientists can only remove 80% of cancer from embryonic cells.

The answer is adult stem cells. They're cheaper, ethical, and far easier to get! They've already been known to cure diabetes, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's, MS, spinal cord injuries, etc.

Therese Schaefer, Melbourne, Australia

i am a journalist and a writer of many books. i hate bush. i know what he did to me who is a mother of type one diabetic.a constant pain, suffering for the child and for the parents.
i hope a cure by stem cell will come soon to save my son

kshama sharma, new delhi, india

I'm a type 1 diabetic and have had it for the last ten years..I have been in over 8 serious comas and have had alot of complications...I would love 2 see Bush or the goverment deal what i have 2 every singal day of my life and tell me that they would think the same way after...I suffer as do millions of diabetics every day...I would love 2 see millions of people walk down the street and not worry about their blood sugars... I will fight as i have for ten years...Bush is a FOOL....

Kimber, Odessa, U.S. Texas

I am not a diabetic, but my girlfriend is a type 2 diabetic and has been one for the past 4-6 years (she has never really mentioned to me that much of when she was diagnosed, but thats not the point). I practically live with her now and she takes care of her diabetes very well. I feel shameful to offer her stuff that she cant eat because of her condition because I forget sometimes.
Anyways, all I am trying to get at is that all I want is to have her be able to not care about "shooting up" and be left on the certain things. She was the one who informed me of this newly tested cure and I am going to follow through with it and see to it that she is cured. I feel that more research should undergo these studies and that America should be more involved, because as of right now it is perceived to me that America wont except Stem Cell Research as a way of population control. They talk about religion and how the study is immoral, yet allowing people to suffer and be ruined financially isn't?

John Barnhill, Gurnee, IL

The sad truth is that the world of big business does not want a cure to exist for mankind. If there was no suffering they would make no money from you !!
I have diabetes & I am on dialysis. No one in the system cares as long as they get paid.
Bush is a fool. Stem cell research should be a top priority not a religious no, no.
Politics & religion have killed hope for the average person.

thom hemby, orange city, FL

My son Ryan was diagnosed this past December 18th, 2007 at age three. Our Fourth son was just born last week and we have stored his cord blood. I am very encouraged about the results of these studies and hope that my Ryan will be able to free of insulin with the help of his baby brothers stem cells.

Steven, Kearny, U.S.A. NJ

I am a type 1 diabetic and have been for 12 years, I am only 24. I already have complications from the disease. Vision problems, loss of sensation in my hands and feet and digestion problems. Theese problems will NEVER go away. Drug companies make a fortune selling us diabetics our medication and don't want to loose that monthly revenue. If a cure where found it would be costly. The governments need to step in and take controll. We need a cure, we can not keep making people rich just to stay alive. Diabetes needs a cure, now!

Matthew Cordy, Etobicoke, ON

if this cure will stop me from having to inject myself up to 7 times a day, i'm willing to do it. anything to stop this. i've had diabetes for almost 2years now and i'm so tired of having hypos all the tme and hypers. please, if this worked on these other patients, give us all a chnace to lead normal lives, soon.

Zaidi Ammeer, St Albans, England

i am a type one diabetic. i have had it for about 8 years now & i am only 13. i have had my ups and downs, but it is a very distracting disease when it comes to school or even just to hang out with friends. i miss many of my classes from having low and high blood sugars. you have no idea how awsome it would be if i was out with my friends or in the middle of a test and not having to check my blood sugar because it would be handled differently. i would love to be able to eat a candy bar without checking my blood sugar and then given myself insulin. i dont like how all my doctors and nurses tell me oh in another 10 years there will be a cure. time is just about up for the cure so, hopefully this cure will be outt soon and given to every diabetic in need =)

kelsey, quincy. MA, U.S./ MA

Hey Bob, I really feel for what you are going through. My son was diagnosed at age 8, now 10, and is doing well, despite it. I wish I could take diabetes away from him as I'm sure your loved ones wish they could for you too. I know this sounds cliche but there is hope of a cure within your lifetime. My cousin has had diabetes for 31 years and has never seen such an explosion of good research as what has been going on since my son was diagnosed. I understand why you are disappointed and bitter and it isn't fair for anyone to go through this kind of suffering, but you will see...take care of yourself so that when there is a cure, you'll be in great shape to get it and benefit from it.

Tricia, ridgefield, ct

I am willing to be a volunteer for any kind of experiment regarding this matter just to save my child.

Bezabih, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Replying to bob in the uk, ive had diabetes for 13 years now and im 15, i completely agree with what you are saying, ive been told about cures several times, but the only response i seem to get is "another 10 years" the problem with this cure is that it is going to cost soo much money that alot of diabetics will be unable to fund them selves with, i moved to canada with my dad, 3 packs of insulin cost 450$ and thats only insulin. I personally think that they should stop getting us hyped up about this cure, as it has failed several times but hasnt been published in the news, the time will come just not at the moment...

Hamish, Calgary, Alberta

i agree with the first comment in that alot of people would stand to lose a lot of buisness over this cure...
im angered by the second comment, God Bless??? if you beleive in god then you must beleive that he is the guy who gave your son diabetes (and the rest of us) and with no good reason, so keep your god bess!
and i feel for the 13yo in the last comment i have only had it 2.5years and im 21, it has stopped me doing things in my life i wish i could and the up and down on sugar levels is a nightmare! problem in UK is that we have so much safty tape up i dout i will even see a cure in my life time (specialy since its now shorter thanks to diabetes!!)

good look to all type 1's out there

Bob, Blackburn, UK

i think myself that treatment and possible cures are being put on the back burner possibly by big companys like roche, lilly, glaxo smith kline etc leaning on the powers that be, imagine how much money the companys would lose with a cure!, not able to supply their insulin and components, and how much does the goverment take in revenue off them?, conspiracy or truth!! my thoughts are on the latter what do you think.
An email to diabetes uk came up with nothing when i asked them about research in canada, is this yet another money machine with rich md`s?.

steve, rotherham/sheffield, uk

Hi,
I live in Florida, my son is a type 1 diabetic since he was four years old. It's really been hard. He always question
why me? I always tell him he's the strongest little person
that i know and God put no more on us than we can bear.
of course it's not what an 11 year wants to hear. I pray
that they will allow stem cells. Are find a cure so these
kidds can have a normal life.

God bless,

Anne Mckinzie, Lauderhill, Fl

my name is chandelr and i am a 13 year old that has diabetes and it makes me so mad thatt bush wont let them use this treatment in the u.s. trust me i would be one of the first ones to try this! i have had this since i was 1 and a half years old it really is not cool that kids sould have to go through this. i have gotten worse though the years an my sugar is almost always above my normal level. If bush would take the ban off of stem stell research then maybe i could be cured and know what it is like to be able to eat dinner without having to start late because i had to check my saugar and we wouldn't be almost out of money at the end of the month because i had to get insulin or $450 supplies. it would make me SO happy if i could get this treatment!

chandler, Drumright, United states

If this information is correct then people with type 1 diabetes should be given the option of having the treatment even if they have to make a financial contribution, it is all well and good for some people to oppose the treatment but at the end of the day it is other peoples lives at risk and as each day goes by the risk increases.

John Graham, Minster, England

to reply to Amanda in Florida, diabetes isnt caused by high blood sugars, it is caused by our immune system attacking its self... but high blood sugar leads to type 2 not type 1... they will come out with a cure one day, ive had diabetes for 13 years now and im 15...im lucky since i cant remember looking back on my life and thinking "ooh i remember eating a chocolate bar without taking insulin" the only thing that sadenss me is that they keep saying another 10 years..

Hamish, Calgaru, Alberta

diabetes is caused by high blood sugar right?
so what if it was people with low blood sugar are more liky to have dietabes becasue they try and try to get there blood sugar uo and then they get high blood sugar which trigers (DIABETES)......

Amanda, psl, florida

One of my husbands closest friends died recently of diabetes, it was very harsh on the both of us. For years we have believed that the government has readily available cures for Diabetes but won't announce them due to the money insulin dependents spend, so hearing that Diabetes is actually and openly being cured is a huge heartwarmer!

Elizabeth Johnson, Seattle,

Hi I've been type-1 for about 4 years now. The way I became dibetic cause of a pecripted drug side affect. I never am good with shots i hate it. So i hope this comes soon with stem cell research. I hope they hurry up....

Matthew Morse, Bellevue, Michigan

I have been searching for pages wher I can find out the cost of having Stem Cell Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes but there seems to be no information on this. I have also been trying to find sites where I can volunteer to take part in clinical trials for Stem Cell Treatment. Again, I can find nothing.
How do people get registered for these things?

Brenda Harris-Diffey, Castleford, United Kingdom

My name is Dorian Cain, I have had type 1 Diabetes for 23 years, I try to stay active, and monitor as oftin as posible, there are those day that realy do sux. I meen say if I eat and my infusion isnt absorbing good and my Blood sugar goes to high, I will admit that I am not as active as I should be . But I do test oftin and my A1C has been around 6.3 to 7, the doc say that is good but we all know (WE DIBETICS) would like a cure, I know I would . I pray for those that dont have this diesese never get it and for all those that do I pray for a cure soon , cause I know how it feels, I am not afraid of dieing just dieing with pore health , you see my dream was taken from me at age 23 when I was diegnosed. you see you cant pilot a jet if you are a dibetic. I do ride my motor cycle and it does give me some freedom .I love hy wife for all the support and assistance she gives, I dont like paying over $500.00 a month for insurance. so yes I want a cure .
stem-cell or otherwise. Prase the LORD.

Dorian Cain, Lubbock, TX

My name is Dorian Cain, I have had type 1 Diabetes for 23 years, I try to stay active, and monitor as oftin as posible, there are those day that realy do sux. I meen say if I eat and my infusion isnt absorbing good and my Blood sugar goes to high, I will admit that I am not as active as I should be . But I do test oftin and my A1C has been around 6.3 to 7, the doc say that is good but we all know (WE DIBETICS) would like a cure, I know I would . I pray for those that dont have this diesese never get it and for all those that do I pray for a cure soon , cause I know how it feels, I am not afraid of dieing just dieing with pore health , you see my dream was taken from me at age 23 when I was diegnosed. you see you cant pilot a jet if you are a dibetic. I do ride my motor cycle and it does give me some freedom .I love my wife for all the support and assistance she gives, I dont like paying over $500.00 a month for insurance. so yes I want a cure .
stem-cell or otherwise. Prase the LORD.

Dorian Cain, Lubbock, TX

it would be good if there was a way uot ov this hell ive had diabetes type 1 for 12 years my teeth had rotted i feel terrible i have lost jobs and recently become deppressed ive been in hospital twice or 3 times take 4 jabs a day and feel so low its untrue i cant have the tretment and dont no why hhhheeelllpp

rick, london,

I was diagnosed with Diabetes type 2 since I was 27 years. Now, I am 36 and keeping the diabetes under control. Although, I would like that a cure is found, I believe that embryonic stem cells should not be used for research. Killing human embryos is inmoral, so I rather die of diabetes that using a stem cell treatment that come from killing another human being. There are other alternatives for stem cell research, such as adult stem cells or umbilical cord stem cells. As a tax payer, I do not want that my tax money is used to fund "embryonic stem cell research" because it is a crime. However, I do want my tax-money to be used to fund adult or umbilical cord stem cell research because that does not involve the killing of embryos.

Ismael Pena, Pembroke Pines, Florida

I have suffered diabetes now for 53 years and would encourage the President of the United States of America to become much more proactive in his approach to the cure of cronic disorders such as Diabetes . He should act sooner rather than later or many will never know how it feels to be free of diseases such as diabetes .
Let him be remembered as a kind and loving statesman rather than just as G. Bush President of the United States of America .
God bless America
God bless the President

chris douglas, Ashburton, Devon/England

What about injecting stem cells from one's own child? Is that feasible? Would it reduce likelihood of rejection?

matilda, Athens, Greece

Whatever is done for cure of diabetes must be done fast. Why are the trials that are successful are not on the market. What is the missing link between trial and market. Can the scientists find the exact cause of type II diabetes and find a medicine to remove insulin resistance? When will the best in the medical field be able to remove this scourge. Now persons without this disease iare thinking that they are safe. But no one knows how swiftly it affects more and more people. I therefore wish that drug companies shall bring out medicines fast without resorting to politics and money game
KR Dasharathi

KR DASHARATHI, Bangalore, India

Teresa,

If you're talking in terms of results, adult stem cells are more limited in their uses because they've already differentiated such that they can not regenerate *all* tissue. There are dozens of chemical messengers that tell a cell to take on the characteristics of one tissue vs. another, and there are probably a great deal more to be discovered. It is generally accepted as scientific fact that embryonic stem cells can generate any type of tissue found within the human body. The process, however, is far more complicated and requires a lot more research (which requires substantial funding) than simpler systems - but less powerful - by comparison.

Just because we haven't succeeded in 20 years of research doesn't mean that it can't be done. Think of people who tried to fly, or get travel to space. It's a solvable problem, but you can't rush things.

Jeff, Berkeley, CA

Why do they have to wait? Wait for total failure of organs, blindness, etc. I have a friend with diabetes whose body rejects insulin, spent much money, seen many doctors. If there is a cure or at least an easement, he is ready to try it. He could benefit greatly from this o cell therapy. He gives so much to others, I can't stand to see him fail. Everyone could use more money, but he is willing to help fund his own treatment, just for a chance at a treatment. He is the hardest working, most unconditionally giving person that I know. Who will listen?I have a lot more to say and no more space here to say it. What is the hold up? Or is it a hold out?? My own mother struggled and eventually died of diabetes complications, i.e. heart failure and kidney failure. Why do we make them wait? This is good man, who helps so many, even perfect strangers. So Oprah, Bill Gates, Dear God, anybody that knows anyone that can help! Can anyone hear me? help?Please before it's too late for some!Thanx

Cindi, New Cumberland, PA

I have diabetes from my 10th birthday and I am now 28. Slowly but surely my body is devistating. The disease is not a normal one. Its a disease which ensures a lot of people a good and well paying job. There are also a lot of instruments needed and there is a lotta cash going on it all. Im living in the netherlands and I smoke marihuana most of the time. It gives me the pleasant "thought" of healing one day and I am not giving it up. President Bush also has a dislike for marihuana because it's a drug. but what does the word "drug" mean? Medicine. Nothing less or more than that.

I believe in the Rife instrument. I think it is great. Maybe one day I buy one and check it out. Until that day I am watching the STEMCELL THERAPY real close.

jan gilles, IJmuiden, the netherlands

The fact is that this cure was due to Adult stem cells not embryonic ones. Embryonic stem cells have not cured anyone after more than 20 years of research. No one has ever disputed the need for Adult Stem Cell Research. The issue in Washington has to do with whether or not taxpayers should pay for Embryonic Stem Cell Research which has 100% failure rate after more than 20 years of research. Mr. Rose is deceiving his readers for his own personal agenda.

teresa, Roseville, CA

I can't believe this deception. The cure was due to ADULT stem cells, not Embryonic. Get your facts straight. Bush has nothing against Adult Stem Cell Research. In fact, no one has anything against it. Embryonic Stem Cell Research has 100% FAILURE rate after more than 20 years of research. Why should my taxdollars go to that? That's the debate in Washington. Get your facts straight!

teresa, Roseville,

I have had diabetes since i was 4 years old. now im 26. i'm to the point that i hate life cause of this disease. i have to worry bout insulin reactions all the time i've lost jobs cause of insulin reactions. i can't keep up with a normal person at anything physical for any amount of time. it messes with my mood all the time. i mean i think bush should go get outta his little church and come on out in the real world for a minute and see the suffering he is causing. if he did maybe he'd get so depressed after realizing what hes done he'd go kill himself. If i can get cured of this disease to live a normal life noone should be able stop that from happening. i think there's a little thing in the bill of rights that says you can persue happiness the way i look at it bush and his buddys are violating my basic rights.

DJ, tacoma, WA

My father had type 1 diabetes since he was 19 years old. He has had type 1 diabetes for 31 years. Two years ago he received a kidney transplant at the Ohio State University Hospital. And last year he received a pancreas transplant from the same university. The pancreas has allowed him to be insulin free since the surgery. So all Ive known is diabetes since I was born. So I can understand the drain of diabetes, as an indirect way, and possibly getting diabetes myself due to genetics.

I support President Bush in not supporting StemCell research. He does not want society to use stem cells in an immoral way. Why can't society just use the umbilical cord from births. I don't know all the research that goes into stem cell research, but what I do know is that abortions help stem cell research...and that is what I don't support. I don't support killing new life to sustain current life.

Justin, Weirton, West Virginia

I was diagnosed with Diabetes at the tender age of 7. I am now 23 years old and I HATE this disease. It has put fear and loathing into my life and I would do anything to rid my body of it. 'Normal' people claim it cannot be that bad to be diabetic. Really?! Have they ever had to wonder about the probability of giving birth to your own child, not because you are infertile, but because your own child would probably kill you (too much strain on your kidneys)? I can't eat chocolates or cake, or drink coke or juice from concentrate. I can't do too much exercise, or get too little of it. I have to prick my finger every day, take needles with me wherever I go. I have to study any meny before asking a waiter exactly what is in their food at a restaurant. I battle to have orgasms (apparently the feeling in that area of my body is going dead due to the diabetes) and I am going blind.

I wonder what Bush would say if this had to happen to him?

Minette Mengel, Leicestershire, United Kingsom

Stem Cell ‘Cure’ for Diabetes Type 1
This sounds like a miracle cure, and for Type 1 sufferers will come as a possible life line, hopefully sooner than anticipated. However. Far be it for any of us to debate the pros and cons of stem cell research at the expense of people suffering with this disease, be it from childhood or as a result of diabetes type 2 which has developed out of control. However, from a nutritional standpoint, there is much that can be done to support the immune system of Type 1 diabetes sufferers, and even more for Type 2 diabetics, who can reverse the condition before it develops into Type 1 if they diligently follow the guidelines of nutritionally aware health professionals. Many diets developed from a dietetic aspect through a medical approach are destined to turn Type 2 diabetics into Type 1 within 5 – 10 years, but this is not necessary and there are many cases of completely reversed Type 2 diabetics to prove the point

Jill Fraser Halkett, Stanford,

I've had diabetes since I was 18 months old, and have had it for 15 years. Living with diabetes has not been a problem for me because I have never known life without it and I want to be able to. Whether it is from embryonic or adult stem cells really doesn't matter as long as it is working. Politcs is getting in the way of science and until President Bush is affected by an automimmune disease such as diabetes, he won't understand why they are so vital to research. Any progress that is made is great and hopefully the cure is just around the corner, but if big wigs like Bush didn't get in the way all the time, the cure might already have been here.

Carly, Marblehead, Ma

I'm 23 y/o. I was diagnosed as a type 1 just over six months ago. I've been told that diabetes is genetic. However, nobody in the last 3 generation of my family have ever had it, other than my mother who had gestational diabetes while she was pregnant with me. Does anyone know if there is a direct link between the two. I've also heard of a link between intestinal yeast infections and auto immune diabetes. Also dairy has been implemented. Apparently there is an antibody in cows milk meant for calves, that mistakes the beta cells as foreign. Oh well if anyone has any thoughts on anything I have said, please post. Lets all have positive thoughts about the future of medicine, and the judgement of the industry in general. Good luck to all of us.

Cody LoMedico, Brooklyn, New York

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1962. I had a 15 month old daughter and was told you only have about 20 years to live. I fought very hard to stay alive with this vicious desease and have had 15 eye surguries including two vitrectomies. I have to test 5-6 times a day, take 2 kinds of insulin (5) shots per day, battle the frightening hypoglycemic reactions, suffer the embarrassment of paramedics coming to my aid by ambulance etc several times each year, suffer stabbing pains from my diabetic neuropathy, currently in a crow walker, and have been wheelchair bound for 3 years or dependent on crutches and canes because diabetes has caused Charko desease in my feet (disintegrating bones). I further have developed intestonal paresis and have gained 40 pounds I do not need from the inactivity of the wheelchair. I would like someone who opposes medical research into areas they think should be forbidden, why I should suffer like this when a cure could be developed to save me from it.

Carolyn, South Jordan, Utah, USA

No offense everyone hoping embryonic stem cell research, but all the cures are coming from adult stem cell research. Both in the US and abroad where embryonic stem cell research is allowed. Isn't it about time people stopped making this a political issue and looked at the science of the situation which VERY clearly indicates that adult stem cell research is far more promising then embryonic?

Jon, Boca Raton, Fl

There is not a mention of wether these people are gonna be on anti rejection drugs for the rest of their life! I would rather have the diabetes than that as the cost would be 10 times what I already pay for insulin and needles! Do they inject anti rejection drugs? Wouldn't that be fun! I am a type 1 diabetic. I was diagnosed when I was 20 years old and am now 50. I have diabetic neuropathy which is the blood can't get down the small viens to feed the nerves...the result is numbness and pain when I do too much with my hands. I think my diabetes was caused by my immune system attacking the insulin producing cells, and I think the reason it happened was from a lack of trace minerals in my diet. It concerns me that no one looks into why the imune system attacks it's own cells and what could prevent or turn this around! The last several years I have been taking plant derived mineral supliments and they have been helping me in a variety of ways. I think lack of minerals may by the cause!

Tom W, Duncan, BC, Canada

Just one day off!! That's all I ask. I have been diabetic since the age of 7 .I am now 34 years old. So 27years and no day off. I ahve had comlpications with my eyes and I am suufering from acute renal fialure. In other words I am on hemo-dialysis 3 times a week, 5 hours each time. It's very hard. I was registered blind for almost 2 years and I have had vitrectomies in both eyes and both my retinas were detached. It's not easy being diabetic and having renal failure. You really do have to watch your diet. I get very envious on hot days when I see people have a long cold drink. Being on fluid restriction means I must limit my fluids to 1 litre a day. Wow you're thinking that's not too bad. Well when you take into consideration cups of tea, soup ,rice (yes rice contains fluid),pasta it really does add up. And then you have to eat differently, always monitoring what you eat. It's not easy.All I ask is for a day off.I am all for stem cell research if it means one day I will get a day off

Uday Lakhani, Borehamwood, UK

I am a diabetic, and life is not easy at all, I take pills to control my diabetes and cannot have any form of sugar at all. I have to also control my food intake, and I am not sure when the doctors will start me on insulin. I have to go for regular blood tests for my kidneys etc. I hope not to have my limbs amputated or suffer any adverse effects from diabetes. It would be great if there is a cure for some of us but I have my doubts my mother waited all her life for a cure and it never came, she died at the age of 63 2 years ago from colon cancer which is common among long term diabetics. It would be great if the world worked together and found a cure. I carry genes and this desease is hereditary, even if there is no cure during my lifetime I hope there will be one for my sons [age 14 & 11] during their lifetime and their children wont have to suffer. 5 to 8 years is great but I hope it will be affordable especially for us in Asia. God Bless those who have worked towards this cure.

Sharan Pretam Singh , Seremban , Malaysia

We (U.S.) is fighting a war in Iraq and Afghanistan that it may not win. Here is a chance for the U.S. to fight a war on Diabetes and WIN for a lot less money and loss of life.
This sounds like a WIN-WIN situation. What are we waiting for?

Louie, Central, Hong Kong

I've had diabetes since I was 13 months old, I'm now 19 years old. It's absolute hell!!! I can totally understand what other diabetics go through and cannot wait for this treatment to come out properly, so it can end the pain and stress of having this endless disease, which affects all other aspects of life. President Bush doesn't have a clue on what is right and wrong (as has been proven by Iraq and the Kyoto Agreement), as long as Britain sees sense then hopefully the rest of the world will too in that this treatment can send not only the mass problem of diabetes, but also have a major impact on other diseases such as parkinsons and cancer.

Manveer Sahota, London,

I have had diabetes for 37 (going on 38 years). I am disabled. I think I have a right to this opinion. NO-ONE HAS TO DIE TO CURE THIS DISEASE! There is encouraging research about SAFE, CONTROLLABLE, adult stem cells.
Too many "embryonic" cells are volitile. They cannot be controlled. I CERTAINLY would not want a bone or a foot growing in what was supposed to be my new pancreas.
If I can wait, so can others. JUST TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Hang in there and pray.

Liz Taylor, Lakeville, USA/ Minnesota

My son has been diabetic(type 1)since he was 6. He is now 14. I was soo happy to see this and then after watching the news I heard president Bush said that he wold never approve this. He will veto it as soon as it hits his desk. It makes me angry.

trina, vancouver, wa

I'm a type 1 diabetic man and I hate it. I've got this damned disease when I was 2, now I'm 27 and this my life makes me sick. Can stem-cell treatment cure this pain? I really hope, so I could feel good and happy. Do not waste the time, cure this disease in any manner and give the real life back to the wide diabetics world. Waiting any cure...

Pino, Rome, Italy

I'm informed by my wife (a nurse ) theat embryonic stem cells may be gathered from cord blood during pregnancy which is shed anyway. This would bring no harm to the woman. I have type 1 diabetes- it sucks- . .
If you knew how it affects peoples lives you would
STOP MORALISING.
bring on the cure

Jon Meakin, Wollongong, Australia

I'm a type one diabetic, and I've had diabetes for a little over 12 yrs. I'd say that I've had it for about 12 yrs., and two months. Anyways, I was diagnosed the day after my first birthday, and ever sinse life has been hard!!! I was doing ok wile I was little, but when I got older I became independent, and after my dad deployed (he's military) everything just went down hill. I wasn't taking care of myself the way that I should have been, I was eating whatever, and not paying very much attention to my medical needs. To sum it all up, I was wondering if this would be something that would help me at all, or if it is to late.

Bianca, McChord, WA/USA

I've read several articles lately touting embryonic stem cell research, even though every example of successful treatment they cite is from so called ADULT stem cells. There are over 70 diseases that have been treated or cured using adult stem cells, and only tumors and mutations from embryonic ones. If the politicians and scientists who claim they want to help people really do, why do they keep beating a dead horse? The answer is clearly adult stem cells, which are readily available from our own bodies. No objections on moral grounds, less money, actual treatments now, not down the road somewhere, and everyone should be happy. One has to wonder what devious reason proponents of embryonic stem cell research have? May I also point out that embryonic stem cells must be harvested from women. That can be dangerous, even life threatening, but if poor women are being paid for their eggs, will anyone know or care if they suffer as a result? Let's stick with adult stem cells-they work.

Carol, Inver Grove, MN

As a mother of a 6 year old type 1, your views on stem cell research would change if this (or another) disease directly affected your own life. I was not completely on board with it myself until 2 years ago when my son was diagnosed. Stem cells may actually be the answer to finding a cure for my son and others like him. I can't be against it anymore... my sons future depends on it. This disease can hit anyone at anytime. It is spreading rapidly also. If you had to watch it, live with it, or deal with it everyday, you would want only the best for your loved one. My son did nothing to deserve this...he deserves a future like everyone else. He is controlled, but controlling is not a cure. Lets just say if the shoe was on your foot instead of mine, wouldn't you want your child to have a long bright future. You would. Young or old, I feel for everyone living with this disease. I hope a cure comes soon. We are very hopeful and are encouraged by all the efforts being made.

Christine Schwan, Kingwood, Texas,

my daughter has been diagnosed with type 1 for almost 7 years can this procedure help her she has been in and out of the hospitle 8 times in the last year and a half. she is only 19 and I pray that she lives long enough to be cured!!
desperate in florida

cathy martin, port st lucie, usa florida

What's the matter, Dan from Hampton? Does it bother you when us "flat earthers" point out a little thing we like to call facts?
There is lots of private money going into non-embryonic stem cell research, but very little going toward embryonic. No surprise to me. Money goes where there is the most promise of rewards. If embryonic stem cells were the panacea the activists claim, investors would be falling all over themselves to get their foot, their money, in the door.
The problem with embryonic stem cells is that they are too powerful. They divide out of our control. We call that cancer. We have much greater control of the more differentiated adult stem cells. That control has contributed to actual effective treatments.
There are 75+ demonstrably effective treatments created from non-embryonic stem cells. TMK, there has yet to be even 1 effective treatment derived from embryonic stem cells.

Ed, Goshen, IN

People in the US have to stop the fundamentalis religious force feeding, and concentrate on finding cures for disease. Whether these cures come from embryonic, adult, cow or pig stem cells! It is interesting how people change their point of view on stem cell research once their loved ones are the ones affected.
Maybe the best thing to happen is for Bush's daughters to get diabetes!

Maggie, Denver, Colorado

I believe that adult stem cell research is great, but I want to know if it can help people like me who have had diabetes for over a decade. If it could help people like me, who have had it for many years, and have trouble keeping control of their glucose levels, it should be exploited in hopes of saving people's lives.

Nathan Lewis, Georgetown, USA, OH

What most people don't understand is it is not so much George Bush and congress stopping stem cell research as it is the pharmacutical companies who are contributers to these political parties who don't want stem cell research. Look at it this way, if a disease is cured the pharmacutical companies stand to loose billions of dollars. Why si it with todays technology and research that we haven't cured a disease in over 50 years. Polio was the last to be wiped out and that cure was developed in 1955 and it was completely gone by the 1990's. Since the pharmacutical companies have been in power there hasn't been a disease cured, there have been many breakthroughs and advances (all having to do with new medications to limit effects) which in turns makes these companies more money. Don't get me wrong, I'm a diabetic and love the insulin pen and other advances, but it would be nice if the motivatiion wasn't to keep people alive by controlling the symtoms instead of eraticating the problem

Rob, Nashua, NH

The choice is ours - we can choose to publicly fund basic scientific research into overcoming inherant safety and technical problems involved in embryonic stem cell usage (rejection, tumor formation, epigenetic instability), or we can develop adult stem cell and cord blood medical uses.

However, if we attempt to do both we must face the reality that directing massive funds and research resources towards overcoming ES cell safety issues will considerably delay the availability of adult stem cell and cord blood treatments. This point is especially relevant considering the prioritization of America's NIH for "scientifically interesting" basic research over "applied" or "pre-clinical" research.

Simply put, it's hugely impractical for non-ES research that's on the verge of clinical testing - research aimed at treating Diabetes I&II, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, SCI, Stroke, ALS, etc. - to be delayed thru having to compete for limited funds with long range basic ES research.

James P. Kelly, Manitou Springs, USA/Colorado

Please note that Bush has not outlawed or banned stem cell research in America. He is opposed to federal funding of stem cell research - so am I, but not for religious or moral reasons. All of the companies receiving this funding are going to charge exorbitant prices for any so-called "cure" the come up with. Why should I pay to fund research for treatments that I will never likely be able to afford? If these companies are going to reap all the financial reward then they should assume all of the financial risk as well.

Gary, Murfreesboro, TN

Those who oopse embryonic research say all the breakthroughs are with adult cells. Well of course - it's like a footrace where one runner has been tied at the ankles. Who would you expect to be ahead? The runner with unbound ankles - i.e. the adult cell research. But ask them if they would like to untie the other runner and make it a fair race. The answer is no. They WANT the race to be unbalanced in favor of adult stem cell research. Which is fine, but at least be honest enough to admit that a) the comparison between achievements in adult v. embryonic research is out of balance because of the restrictions placed on embryonic research, and b) you are invested in making sure that we never do find out what embryonic cells might be capable of accomplishing. That would at least be honest.
-the Father of a suffering ten year old with diabetes

R, Midwest, America

I hope everyone notices what kind of stem cell treatment is being used here, ADULT stem cells. Not embryonic. This just helps prove that embryonic is still showing no results while adult stem cells are helping 72 different diseases and is now curing diabetics.

Curtis, Davis, CA

People, please: read the article. Parapgraphs 2 and 3 clearly state that the cells were the patient's own.

R, Midwest, America

The diabetics were not "cured" . Out of 15, 14 were able to go without insulin for from one to 35 months. What is their condition now? Sounds to me like Dennis Turner's Parkinson's cure where his PD came back after 3-4 years. Unless the etiology (cause) of these diseases is known, cell replacement in itself is not going to do it. Also, Turner's treatment involved brain surgery while awake. Diabetics had "chemo"-like treatment. Do you think such treatments will ever become routine??

Rayilyn Brown, Surprise, USA/Arizona

I am a nurse who works in clinical research. I also have Type 1 diabetes. I am very excited about this and the many other advances that are currently in the research phase. There is so much promise with adult stem cells that I don't think that we should take the downward step of messing with the humanity of the embryo. One day we may come to our senses as a nation and stop the insanity of condoning abortions.
This probably is not the final cure, but we've come a long way!

D.W., Aurora, CO

Stem Cell research needs to be aggressively pursued. Those who would bring religion into this controversy seem to think that their religious beliefs should impact all the rest of us. If they are not interested in this type of cure they may opt out of any treatment which results from the research. To imply that all of us need to adhere to their beliefs is mind boggling it reminds me of the Taliban. Let’s get the truth out and shout down these religious morons. My family has several diabetics and the ultimate price we each pay is death. The stem cells in question do not represent any conscious living being not even the hope of becoming a conscious living being yet they want to attribute them with feelings and apply a moral standard akin to forcing women to wear the berka or stoning them for some real or imagined transgression. Tell your congressman to support non-interference with scientific research.

Tom Walker, Detroit, Michigan

Hey,

We expect your article to at the least, present the facts. These cures are coming from the patient's own stem cells - often referred to as adult stem cell treatment.

The misdirected comments you make in the article are represented by the first two comments above. The US should provide the monies - are these people aware that embryonic stem cells, to date, have not caused one cure. The promise of potential cures by the State of California has been expanded from the original 10 years to the current 15 years. That should have everyone excited! Adult stem cells have currently been effective in treating some 78 different aliments.

We all need to know and understand the difference between the two cells - the reason for all the concern of the embryonic stem cell is that it requires killing the created life.

Domenic, Richmond,, Virginia

the JAMA article refers to use of adult stem cell in this study, not embryonic stem cells which is the issue being debated in the United States currently. This article shamelessly omits this fact in order to confuse readers into thinking that embryonic stem cell research has provided a break through when it has not.

Dennis Parks, Kansas city, United States

Bushes answer is all you would expect-Brilliant news for any new diabetic. Us older ones will have to wait a bit longer. God gave us the scietists-lets benefit from them

Dave W Danson, Southampton, U.K.

Finally, some more real progress. If US scientists were not handcuffed by political pressure we might already have a cure right here.

Darrell, Orlando, FL

Prof Stephanie Amiel and her team at Kings College were the first to "cure" a type 1 diabetic in the UK. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4330717.stm
For the time being, her team's research on islets transplants relies on the use of immuno-suppressant drugs which are highly toxic. The technique has also been used successfully in some 60 cases in Canada. Currently, the toxicity of the drugs must be balanced with the severity of the diabetes to ensure that there is a net gain for the patient. Added to which, the healthy islets cells must be recovered from cadavers which are in limited supply. The real breakthrough, as I understand it, will be achieved when synthetic islets can be manufactured. This will address supply issues and obviate the need for toxic drugs. As a type 1 diabetic of 35 years, I am in awe of the fantastic progress made by the research teams and look forward to the day, hopefully in just a few years' time, when islets transplants are safe and freely available.

Alex Blake-Milton, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Embryonic stem cell research gets more money than adult stem cell research and has provided NO benefits. It also involves the destruction of a human life, and the fact that we stupidly allowed extra embryos to be created in fertility clinics doesn't change the immoral nature of treating nascent human life like "spare parts."

ESCR causes cancer in test subjects--nasty, hair and tissue teratomas! Would you like a hair meatball growing in your brain? No thank you, I think I'll stick with the plain, vanilla, Parkinson's disease!

In order to get ESCR to work they will have to change the natural way ESCs work. Meanwhile, adult stem cells already work in a wide variety of situations (diabetes, heart, nerve repair).

Come on people, the choice is not that hard!

Judith M., Brainerd, MN

Thank you for an incredibly detailed article. It's the best I've read. I have a 10 year old, Type 1 son who was diagnosed just over a year ago.
One question I have is: How early into the diagnosis can this procedure be done? Are we too late??
I'd love to contact Dr. Julio Voltarelli from the University of Sao Paolo to see if my son could be in their next study?
How would I contact him? Anyone know?
Thanks!

Rachel Kushner, Glen Mills, PA/USA

Thank god for all the outsourcing - bravo to Brazil for taking this necessary step in finging the cure. Maybe if the US Gov't should provide the Brazilian Dr's a one time grant of $28 Billion Annual (US Expenditure.on the disease) to find the cure. Of course the airlines would not be able to handle all the flights that would be booked to Brazil.

Been waiting for the "cure" since 1967, which "was only" 3-5 years away, so do not hold your breath.


.

Pete, Brea, USA

This advance in medical science again comes from ADULT...not embryonic...stem cells.

Let's continue to choose life.

Wendy, Dallas,

Another thread hijacked by the shrieking flat earth minority, how they love the sound of their own voices. It sounds something like this: Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Dan, Hampton , UK

Sue (Edinburgh) - I can sympathise with your dilemma and with your daughter. I was diagnosed 26 years ago (age 11) and had been experiencing the symptoms for several months prior to my diagnosis. I basically produce no insulin whatsoever so this particular 'cure' is probably not viable for me either. There are some other possibilities being investigated by a team in Canada. I don't have a link to the article but it had to do with preventing the nervous system from 'ordering' the immune system to destroy the islet cells (I'm not a doctor so don't quote me). Very promising and may even work on diabetics of our 'caliber'. ;o)

Dave, Denver, CO

I have 2 children diagnosed with Type 1.. The first girl was diagnosed at 15 and her little sister at 5 yo---18 months later! I have 6 children. I am so thankful for the research. I look forward to a cure to be availabe for my children some day. This gives me hope. Yet, we have also made radical changes in our diets--eating as best we can to avoid the disease in the other kids and keep the ones w/it healthy! I feel very positive about my girls future--because we are being proactive and have faith.

colleen, Bradenton, Florida

Stop arguing and educate yourselves...this isn't just about kids. I was diagnosed at age 29 with Type I diabetes, as many Type I diabetics are. Juvenile Diabetes is no longer an appropriate term for Type I.

Jill, Cincinnati, Ohio

Thank God.
I mean, thanks science.

Fernando, New York City, USA

Um...There have been ALL KINDS of advances using stem cells. What this article does not point out is that ALL of them are from adult and umbilical cord cells and ZERO are from embryonic stem cells. The line about President Bush being opposed to embryonic cells is throw in there for purely political reasons. The line should have read like this

This type of research, using the most successful kind of stem cells — those NOT acquired from human embryos — is currently applauded by powerful critics, including President Bush.

Diane, Taylor, Michigan

I have been a Type diabetic since I was 30. I am 52 now I have found through the right diet losing weight I have been
able to bring my shots from 48 twice a day to twenty units a
twice a day and ha1c is 5.9 I have been haveing to watch myself even now from bottoming out. Type 2 lose weight,eat right and excerise.

Jerry Mitchell, Neosho , MO

I am the mother of a wonderful 9 year old dealing with the rigors of diabetes management since age five. She is my hero and we are encouraged by the great work of these researchers. The insulin pump has really changed her life and she is so smart and knows how to bolus and treat her lows. We pray everyday for a cure for this disease and know that God can do all things. In the meantime, we are doing all of the things we are supposed to be doing to keep her in the best control ever. HbA1c 7.2. Yes, we even go and buy a new toy when it goes lower. We are aiming for the 6's. This new information is very encouraging even if it puts Type 1 out there for people to know and understand. There are many misunderstandings about what type 1 is. Keep those prayings going. God bless all of you!!!!

Carla, Covington, Kentucky

If we have the chance to cure an illness, why not use it, surely its more "ethical" to give people the chance for a normal life than forcing them to live with an illness that can be fatal?
Today its "ethical" to force the poorest countries in the world to pay massive debts but not "ethical" to cure a life threatening disease?!

Grace Blakeley, Basingstoke,

Just to be clear, these were not embyronic stem cells, but 'autologous' cells from the patients own blood cell line. This source of stem cell is not at issue or being debated anywhere is is an accepted source of stem cells by all sides of the debate. This article is bringing in an issue that is irrelevant to the treatment presented in this study.

tom, boston, ma

Too little too late! My brother has had diabetes since a teenager, he has endured many complications from having diabetes, now he has renal failure. He is very weak / thin / tired all the time & he is not absorbing all the vital nurtrients/vitamins from his food. He is on 4 injections a day and has to use the dialysis 4 times a day. What kind of living hell must that be?

It is heartbreaking to say the least.

US, London, UK

Unfortunately, this article also states that tests were done on people "who had been diagnosed within the previous six weeks". My little girl was diagnosed a year ago and is now producing virtually none of her own insulin, I suspect this procedure will only work if you body is still producing insulin. Or, should this become a viable option, will only be offered to people in the "honeymoon period". We live in hope, but I suspect my girl will have to inject for many years to come.

Sue, Edinburgh, Scotland

Ethical or not, science has always been able to get around such controversies concerned with life. The discussion should be concentrated on stem cell treatment and its future development. When it is adult stem cells, why question and debate about embryonic stem cells? However hard we try to separate science from politics, it is impossible. A faithful medical service cannot be guaranteed for a welfare state without government legislation and control.

On the 'inject themselves at least four times a day', i am a type 1 diabetic for 8 years now and i have never taken more than 3 times a day. Various varieties of insulin are available today which can let u need only two or even less shots a day.

George Thomas, Kottayam, India

Life of a diabetic isn't always easy, but it is not the end of the world. I an a diabtic for 11 years now. Take care of yourself and diabetes can be managed indeed!

William, Leiden, Netherlands

4 times a day,6 times a day,amusing. I am a type 1 diabetic. I take 2 shots a day,work 60 hrs a week.The idea of stem cell repair is encouraging,but we are a long way from a cure. Take care of yourself and diabetes can be managed. A lot of people would love that option.

WJ Grady, Canton , Mass

"...Why are you continuing to mislead us with embryonic stem cell therapy that has not had ANY significant success in research and creating a problem where there is no problem. Adult stem cells are from the umbilical cord on, and they have proven over and over again to be more reliable and tractable then embryonic...."

It's true that adult stem cells have been very successful, and we should continue that. However, the reason it's been so successful is because it has the big federal funding and governmental stamp of approval. Read any legitimate scientific study; embryonic stem cells have much more potential because of their "blank-slate" status. We need to experiment with embryonic, following strict ethical guidelines, and unleash their potential. The cells scientists wish to use are eventually discarded anyway which eliminates entirely the "embryos are life" argument. This has less to do with "setting precedents" than advancing science and curing people with debilitating diseases.

SilentPatriot, Massapequa,

Have you ever stuck a neadle in your arm 6 times a day just to keep yourself from dying? Thats the life of a type one diabetic.

rob veach, yorkville, il.

I agree with Tim LeCroy of St. Louis, MO. It is appalling that people will put off child bearing until they determine that they need "assitance" in getting pregnant or that they engage in sexual promiscuity that leads to STD's that cause them to be unable to reproduce. They then produce embryos artifically like a chicken laying eggs and then are willing to discard these living being just as carelessly as they discarded their own opportunity to reproduce naturally.

Ken Pingel, Salem, USA Oregon

Russia did this like 10 years ago, except they had better results because they took the cells in their regenerative state from aborted fetuses.

If it's only affecting 300,000 people, myself being one of them, America won't care at all to fund it. It's not what society values, it IS a money issue. Drug manufacturers pockets run deep, at $75/bucks a bottle of Lantus, insulin brings in a lot of money even with a small affected populace.

I am all for stem cell and science, but I personally don't care at all because by the time stem cell procedures are affordably available, my bones will have turned to ash. And since I won't be having children to keep the gene from passing on, I care even less.

The more people try to better the world, the worse it gets. Its in our nature.

Mayble, Anaheim, CA - USA

the research conducted has nothing to do with embryonic stem cells, the stem cells were taken from their own blood. these types of experiments are so far the most effective. it seems like there is no need to experiment with embryos when people can supply their own stem cells.

james drulay, glendora, CA

Why is George Bush's name in this article?
Get over it. This is suppose to be a story on SCIENCE not politics.
Bush Obsession shoukd be diagnosed as a new syndrome. And No I am not a Republican, but you people are sick about this bush bashing stuff and it's enough already.

Helen McCaffrey, Cape May Court House, NJ

I love how all you defenders of blastocyst americans are usually the same ones that advocate the bombing of foreign countries that kill thousands of living breathing people, including children. Surely some of the dead are indeed blastocysts themselves. You should be proud.

Jason , Nashville, TN

This is more of a question then a viewpoint, but is the author saying the test was only on people who were recently diagnosed with diabetes? Or did they also have test patients who've been diabetic for awhile?

Dan Le, Houston, Texas

Our son has been a type I diabetic for 4 years now. This research is great news!

Someone mentioned Pancreas transplant as a cure for Type I. The problem with that is the organ anti-rejection drugs. The side effects of them leaves the person with a weak immune system.

The Stem cell transplant is a better option. The new cells become the person's own cells, and do not need anti-rejection treatments.

ABC, Baton Rouge, LA

I am a type 1 diabetic,and have been for twelve years,since I was thirteen months old.I am optimistic about this treatment,and would like to be part of the case study.

Aric, Yelm, Washington

Except that most labs and equipement involve some sort of federal funding, and Bush banned _any_ federal funding. Tell me, when public labs such as those in Universities are partially federally funded, meaning the rooms, the equipement, everything, and you say "don't use federal funds," then where are scientists supposed to work? You've only eliminated every public lab in the country. So this can be done privately? Great, when they do figure out the cure to major diseases I feel happy knowing it'll cost more than anyone can pay. It'll be legitimate too: you didn't want to pay a little for research before, you won't be able to pay the cost of what the research provided later -- as in much later, because it's not just private funding, it's private labs and that all takes time. The best part is, rather than cutting taxes from the savings, the government just pockets what they're saving here and puts it in another politician's pocket, and raises taxes anyhow. nice.

Phil, New York, USA

Steve from Melville, I don't see where in the article they even mention embryonic stem cells.

Jason, Nashville, TN

Tony, Alpharetta,GA

What don't you understand about private funding. All the people who want funding for embryonic stem cell research are free to donate. The "conservatives" have been subsidizing social services and education for hundreds of years through Church outreach programs, private schools (taxpayer still pays) and other Faith based organizations. If 1/3 of the Country pitches in $5, that's $500 million right there. Go for it.

MCD, Elmhurst, USA

I knew the cure was not from EMBRYONIC stem cells because they would be heralding that in the headlines if it had been. However, I had to read through almost two-thirds of the article to find the source of the stem cells, which was the patients own blood. What really angered me is that in spite of that fact that using embryonic stem cells results in tumors and cancer, they still have to push opening that Pandora’s Box by writing the following ".
But research using the most versatile kind of stem cells — those acquired from human embryos — is currently opposed by powerful critics, including President Bush." I even heard recently that it has been discovered that stem cells can be harvested from the placenta after birth, which is discarded anyways. All the effective cures have been coming from non-embryonic sources of stem cells, while embryonic stem cells end up being unstable, yielding tumors and cancers; yet our media ignores that and keeps pushing it.

Tate W Pope, Tulsa,, OK

Hmm... From everything I have read - including this report - harvesting stem cells from the patient and then giving them back to that same patient works... Folks that's called Adult Stem Cells - not from embryos.

Harvesting stem cells from embryos for use in other patients has not worked in the past in any human or animal trial. Instead it has produced shocking lessions and cancers in the patient. Yet all our debates about funding and the cries of lawmakers and researchers devolves around Embryonic Stem Cells.

Consider: in anything like this you have to follow the money to find out why. Most of the money comes from pharmacutical companies who want to benefit from federal dollars to "find" a cure to a wide number of diseases. Not because they think that Embryonic Stem Cells are better, but because they believe that they can PATENT the treatments and make LOTS OF MONEY. Billions of dollars are at stake. You cannot patent adult stem cell treatments.

James, Washington, DC

What you're not telling your readers is, not one single embryonic stem cell experimental treatment has worked. On the other hand, other forms of adult stem cell treatments have resulted in an overwhelmingly number of successful treatments. It's not a right wing Bush thing, it's the reality that those individuals that play upon the sympathies of those who have illnesses....that somehow embryonic stem cell treatment is their panacea, when it simply is not the case. It's the old adage, "just the facts ma'am." Just report the facts and stop spinning the story.

Bob Touchston, Former President, Florida Right to Life, Palm Bay, Florida

The objection to use of embryonic stem cells is simple superstition at work. It’s no different than when the Catholic Church opposed blood transfusions because it was said to transfer the soul of one person to another. If we don’t want to clone people, pass a law. If we don’t want pregnancies aborted to harvest stem cells, pass a law. But stem cells are cultured as a line of genetic material, seeded at the front end from discarded byproducts of modern medical practices. Discarded tissues should be used despite the superstitions of those who oppose it. If this weren’t so serious, it would be laughable. Meanwhile lives are being lost. History will judge us to be superstitious idiots.

S. Stanton, Manhattan, USA

The fact cord blood stem cells are a readily available resource of stem cells and not controversial for collection or use, that would be better information for the author to focus on rather than even entering the argument involving embryonic stem cells. I mean people still throw away cord blood as medical waste, which it clearly is not currently and as time moves forward will become more valuable for stem cell therapies

Chris , San Francisco , CA

Pop Quiz: Out of the 70-odd breakthroughs in medical treatments achieved thus far from stem-cell research, how many are derived from embryonic stem cells, and how many are derived from adult stem cells? Answer: ALL of them are derived from adult stem cells. After 15 years of hype, embryonic research hasn't progressed beyond lab rats, due to the hyperplastic nature of embryonic cells.

If there were any real promise of breakthroughs from this research, there would be no need of federal funds, as private investors would be standing in line to invest.

Mike, Kent, WA

It should be noted that the stem cells used in the treatments that show any promise for cures have been adult stem cells, NOT embryonic stem cells. Why then are people obsessed with embryonic stem cell research, when it has thus far shown no promise? It is painfully obvious why private research dollars will not back embryonic stem cell research. It is not promising. This is why the zealots inisist on pushing for tax dollars to pay for it. It is time to get over our sick fantasies about embryonic stems cells and go with the more reliable adult stem cells. I think it needs to be said also that the reporting of stem cell successes, both in the media and in the some medical journals, often lacks the clarification between adult and embryonic stem cells. Thus, wittingly or unwittingly, the reader is deceived. This leads to a false hope in embryonic stem cells, when adult stems cells are the ones with promise; without moral baggage of destroying innocent human life.

kennu, Arnaudville, LA

I had to dissect the article deliberately, because I've learned that writers tend to emphasize their agenda while playing down the main thrust of this discovery, that it was the patients' OWN stem cells that created the cure, not the destruction of embryonic stem cells. It's refreshing to see so many other people also are aware of the slant the media gives...BRAVO.

Janet Tribus, Vero Beach, Florida

This is an outstanding break through. Those who druel blood should move else where. This is the United States of America where everyone has rights. God gave us a brain so that we can use that which God presents to us. Man is not all powerful dispite what some may think. God does not require that we kill human life in order to save it or in this case to give other humans a better quality of life. Embryos are genetically human whether some want to admit it or not.

patrick andrus, ville platte, louisiana

A Person IS a person, but an undeveloped cell is not. A mass of DNA is NOT a person. Just as a bunch of brick and mortar is not a building. But when fully developed, then it is. Now of course that opens the whole debate as to when that mass of cells is formed enough to be considered a sentient being.............is Divine intervention a lightning bolt that flattens a research institute or is it a person who was born and became a doctor or researcher that uncovers health advances to help us as a race? Are we waiting for a permission slip or golden tablet to fall from the skys? Seriously, God works in mysterious ways THROUGH individuals. Either that or "Satan" has a wry sense of humor!!

Danny, DeLand, FL

John: You've got that backwards. Embryonic stem cells are easier to obtain, and in greater quantity. Perhaps people should be allowed to choose whether or not to donate unwanted embryos (such as those from fertility treeatments). Those embryos usually just get destroyed. Why not use those instead of wasting them? And also, Bush's moronic limitations to the support of this science has driven it to other countries who might not be as ethical as we would.

Rocky: Embryonic stem cells would provide the same cure, at a lower cost, and for more people. As I understand it, adult cells are only good for the adult they come from. Yes, there is some private funding, but the way things are, there is less ethical control of this science, and that helps nobody.

Somer, Dallas, Texas

If you have a strong potential for diabetes it makes sense to harvest your own stem cells before a problem occurs. Cost is steep, about $6,000 but that would surely seem cheap to those suffering with this problem. This service is new and available on the West Coast through a company called Neostem. A very positive development indeed.

Jerry Telfer, Los Angeles, Ca

Wonderful news! As part of my scientific training, I learned that an ethical scientist will pursue alternatives to research and therapies that raise legitimate ethical concerns. EMBRYONIC stem cell research certainly raises legitimate ethical concerns but ADULT stem cell research is accepted by nearly all of America (and the World). Considering the rapid advances in the technology and the success of ADULT stem cells (as pointed out above) it is scientifically unethical to pursue EMBRYONIC stem cell research until all of America is as accepting of it as they are of ADULT stem cell research. If ADULT stem cells keep proving to be successful, what is the justification for EMBRYONIC stem cell research?

Aaron, Burlington, Vermont

"Embryonic stem cell research has nothing to do with abortion or religion....." Except everything... There is no restriction on the research itself. There IS federal funding. There are BILLIONS in state funding that cover the areas that the Fed doesn't fund, such as using all of these IVF embryos that so many here seem to be concerned about wasting. Fed $ is not even needed. Therefore, this is an ideological struggle: those who want the Fed to authorize funding for research requiring destruction of embryos, vs. those that don't. There is only one side attempting to push their "morals:" those looking to cement in government precedent the position that an embryo is not a "life." In other words, they're not satisfied with neutrality: they're looking for specific government endorsement of the position, or a proxy via funding of embryo destruction. One can be not against hESC research, but against Fed funding because they want the Fed to NOT take sides in this type of "moral" issue.

Rusty P, Hunterdon, NJ

MLB, it is pathetic that everything turns political. But this is another example of the scientifically proven benefits of adult stem cell therapy against the ephemereal promise/hope for embryo. The scientific basis of human caused earth warming is another.

Carl, Boca Raton,

This is a perfect example of the potential of adult stem cells. The article is cleverly written to make it unclear the source of the stem cells used in the experiment as well as to take a back-handed slap at those who oppose EMBRYONIC stem cell. The truth is, if these stem cells came from the patient's blood then they are adult stem cells! All significant results with stem cell therapy have been with adult stem cells. We have plenty adult stem cells and very few people are opposed to this treatment. Why are you continuing to mislead us with embryonic stem cell therapy that has not had ANY significant success in research and creating a problem where there is no problem. Adult stem cells are from the umbilical cord on, and they have proven over and over again to be more reliable and tractable then embryonic, which have never been able to be controlled to grow in a particular direction.

Lynda Varada, Morgan Hill, USA/California

"As are most people of conscience"

okay, well, I guess your conscience will let you look people who are dying in the eye and tell them "sorry, e might have been able to cure you, but we couldn't try." Abortion is legal, you guys need to get that through your headds. It amazes me that you would rather throw the fetuses in the trash than use them for scientific gain. And before you counter with "well, abortion should be illegal," it will NEVER be made illegal.

Robert, Columbia, SC

This article is intentionally misleading readers by blurring the distinction between adult stem cells and embryonic. Rather than focus on the success of this treatment which came from adult stem cells, the author can't resist their political agenda to take a swipe at those opposed to federally funded embryonic stem cell research. Shame on you! This case serves to support the fact that adult stem cells are yielding such a benefit that makes the promised boon of embryonic research not only unfounded but unnecessary.

Darren E., Pittsburgh, USA

I have an idea. How about we talk about the science going on here, rather than turning EVERYTHING into a playing field to vaunt our own political views? (And yes, I'm talking to both Liberals AND Conservatives!) And while we're at it, why don't we allow ourselves to hope that this research will fulfill its potential and ease the suffering of millions of people the world over? There is hope now that did not exist before. No matter what happens, that's not a small thing.

Nat, Indianapolis, USA

Embryonic stem cell research has cured no one - this is a prime example of ADULT stem cells being the reason for the patients cure:

"After stem cells had been harvested from their blood, they then underwent a mild form of chemotherapy to eliminate the white blood cells causing damage to the pancreas. They were then given transfusions of their own stem cells to help rebuild their immune systems"

No babies were destroyed here.

David P., Seattle, WA, USA

The article DOES say that they arent adult stem cells. And how is stating the simple fact that Bush is opposed to embryonic stem cell research "liberal spin"? Yes, hes disallowed federal funding into embroyinc stem cell reasearch. Hes also signed bills that make it nigh impossible for private business to persue research. Its interesting to me that he recieves so much funding from pharmacuetical companies who make billions of dollars from treating disease and disabilities instead of curing them. Seems like a conflict of interest to me...
The article also mentions that embryonic stem cells are far more capible of taking on the roles that scientists are hoping for. The sad fact is that "moral" opposition to reasearch is slowing progress down, progress that all indications show will save countless lives and ease the suffering or flat out reverse the condition of patients with horrible disease.

Jordan Bierstock, San Jose, United States, California

It disgusts me to see what can only be described as a fanatical spam attack on the comments section of this article. The article clearly states its adult stem cells in the second paragraph, but the repeated (and very repetitive) comments here seem to try and brainwash the casual reader into thinking the article is a propaganda coup for evil "baby grinders". Every man produces a massive amount of sperm, each one able to become life, during his life. Every woman has a large number of eggs that mature during her life, and the vast majority of all of these die. Embryos, similarly, are nothing. Clusters of cells. Not babies, the stem cells involved have not been assigned their uses and haven't developed the child yet, which is why they are versatile, whereas adult stem cells mean looking for developed cells and reinvigorating them to do the job they have been assigned. It is only evil and idiotic to condem millions to suffer for the sake of some fairy story from the darkest of ages.

Philip Stobbart, London,

Unbelievable! Our disease is going to disappear? That’s a great news, that’s a wonderful day for diabetics. We congratulated a lot! Bye bye to needles, to hypo and hyperglycemias... Perhaps is just a dream, perhaps that day is so far away from today, but news with steam-cell are really encouraging, specially for the future generations.

Thanks a lot to the researchers.

Jordi, Palma, Spain

The press is misleading the public by not clarifying the terms adult stem cell and embryonic stem cell. The article should have specified that this is a successful use of adult stem cells. The majority of people reading this don't understand the moral issues surrounding embryonic stem cells and on reading the headline would assume that this is a cure from embryonic stem cell research.

km, minneapolis, mn

Hate to break it to you, but this has nothing to do with money. There's no tax cut because of the ban on federally funding stem cell research. It just means that money is reallocated somewhere else. Maybe to more weapons research. Is that better than healthcare? This has nothing to do with big government/small governement, just what society values(or does not value) spending money on.

Scientist, Berkeley,

It is so heartening to see this progress with stem cells. However, this article is so clearly slanted towards use of embryonic stem cells, as I quote
"But research using the most versatile kind of stem cells — those acquired from human embryos — is currently opposed by powerful critics, including President Bush. "
The most versatile at what, causing malignancy? Also, if you want to explain that the embryonic type of stem cell is so great, then why not address the plentiful amount that may be retrieved via cord blood. I have 4 young children. I have NEVER been asked if I would donate the cord blood for stem cell research. I certainly would have. Until we're farming babies to help cure disease, Planned Parenthood and their cronies will not cease.

Nancy, Southampton, USA

Mattison,

It's not OK to either do research on them or to throw them away. It's ethically questionable that so many embryos are created in the first place. To be consistent, those who oppose research on embryonic stem cells must also oppose the creation of embryos which will not be implanted in a uterus.

So there's your answer. We oppose both!

Tim LeCroy, Saint Louis, MO

Peculiar statement made in the article where Mr. Rose states the "most versatile" stem cells are embryonic stem cells. Wow, but in his own article these diabetics are being helped by their OWN stem cells. There are NO current breakthroughs anyone can point to with embronic stem cell research.

Mike, Des Moines, Iowa

It seems like forever that the pharmaceutical giants in some way, maybe because of their lobbyists, prevented any cures to any diseases from happening. I've read if there is cures for chronic and deadly diseases that doctors would, (ahem), "go out of business." Scare tactics. It's all about money. Paying $$$$ for 1 pill is so disgusting and there's no justification for it except for the bottom line. I believe that there were cures for some diseases years ago. Europe, Asia, etc. will be leaps and bounds ahead of the U.S. once they get their stem cell research rolling. Their love of money greatly overshadows any compassion. I have no regard for politicians who whine that their kids have to take insulin because that politician voted against stem cell research.

katherine, lemont township, illinois

I am delighted to see that so many responders understand the differences between the definition and the effectiveness of adult vs embryonic stem cell research. I am totally supportive of *any* research and that promises to provide therapy and cures. But I think these decisions should be left to the actual researchers and not to hollywood or news media know-nothings. Anytime you see people clamoring for "government grants" you can be sure that the money is more important than the outcome. The work products from government grants are barely monitored, if at all.

DrBubba, Flyover Country, USA

Very promising.

Adult stem cells continue to produce results. While I see the rationale and accept the fact that embryonic stem cells could potentially cure diseases and disorders adult stem cells will never be able to cure, I think the price in the lives of human embryos is too much. It is not man's place to kill one to save another.

John T., Houston, Texas, USA

The statement in the article---"the most versatile kind of stem cells — those acquired from human embryos"---is only "substantiated" by conjecture and wishful "thinking". I have read that embryonic stem cell studies have not lived up to expectations and have far worse and unpredictable negative effects than those with adult stem cell studies.

Clarence Chester, Jr: Schmidt, Phoenix, Arizona

I love how people say "murdered" for the ESC's, when they are actually used from embryo's that are going to be trashed anyways....It isn't like people are going around looking for embryos to kill to get their cells....I agree that ESC research hasn't gotten us very far, but why not take advantage of something that MIGHT find a cure...Please check in your religious beliefs at the door when entering the science field!...They have nothing to do with each other.

Bill, Austin, TX

Anyone here defending Bush's resistance to funding Stem Cell Research should think what it is that you are defending. Ignorance? High-handedness? Misguided faith?
Because the US gov't won't fund life-saving research, the US continues to fall behind the rest of the developed world in scientific expertise.
And to that joker who posted that the most advancements have been made with adult stem cells? That is because of the lack of funding for embryonic stem cell research. See a connection? Quit listening to the Repuglican Talking Points and check out the scientific journals for the Truth.

Jay, Denver, Colorado

"A study by British scientists in November also reported that stem-cell injections could repair organ damage in heart attack victims."

"But research using the most versatile kind of stem cells — those acquired from human embryos — is currently opposed by powerful critics, including President Bush."

Wow, this is UNBELIEVABLE. The link to the heart attack article in the statement above ALSO discusses the use of ADULT stem cells, yet the author of this article follows the mention with the anti-Bush comment.

Incredible.

Vic, Ogden, UT

the author of this article is actively trying to mislead readers by referring to Bush's opposition to embryonic stem cell research. the findings in this study relate to adult stem cells. neither Bush nor any Republican I know of objects to research with adult stem cells. congrats to the author, though, he really hid this well.

john, chicago, USA

Most academics are liberal. To make a point out of the fact that this not a fetal stem cell solution, weakens their argument for a need for free access to aborted fetal stem cells. (And therefore another justification of abortion.) It also underminds the US Administration when there seems to be success in a practice that the Administration fought so hard against. It is a kind of distortion for the purpose of suiting one's position and interests. Of course the press, including Drudge, jump right on the misrepresentation band wagon. No surprises here I hope.

Most people think conservatives are against stem cell research. Not true, only against fetal stem cell research

Matt Sullivan, Warwcik, NY

This is wonderful news! I have a daughter who is a juvenile diabetic and she has had many trials & tribulations throughout the years. I would give anything to have her insulin free and what is the big deal about embryo stem cell research - if we don't try to utilitze this type of research there will be nothing learned and nothing gained. Think of the millions who may benefit from it!!!!!!

K, Brighton, Michigan

Let's see...

One sentence about where these stem cells were drawn from, and several paragraphs about all the cruel people trying to keep embryonic stem cell research from the masses.

When are the masses going to wake up and realize we do not need embryos to perform stem cell research. Hundreds of stories about how cord blood, adult stem cells, and even stem cells created from the skin from the human hand have helped people, and you still want to cut up human beings. You people disgust me.

Anthony, Saginaw, MI, USA

George Bush is against "embroyonic" stem cell research, not "adult" stem cell research. There has been NO success with embryonic stem cells, whereas adult stem cells have been doing spectaculary! It would be nice if the media would differentiate between the two when they write their articles.

Linda, Whittier, CA

I know a diabetic who had a pancreas transplanted and no longer has diabetes.

M, Orlando, Fl

Fascinating report. One thing it doesn't address: Did study participants have to continue taking anti-rejection medication?

Tony Cappasso, Westport, Connecticut, USA

"Just to remind or educate some people. Embryotic stem cell research is not illegal in the U.S. it's just not federally funded."
Even this isn't true. hESC research in the US IS Federally funded: GWB is who authorized initial funding of it, and it has increased every year since, at least 10's of millions of dollars per year. Federal funding is limited to existing stem cell lines, not newly destroyed embryos. But many STATES have earmarked BILLIONS to make up the alleged gap. I have seen no one make the argument that Federal dollars are even needed at this point. This is an ideological issue: if the Fed funds research on embryos destroyed for the purpose, they are taking the default position that an embryo is not a "life," crossing from their current neutral position to the pro-abortion position. Be careful when people say they want the Fed to stay out of "moral" issues. Sometimes they are really saying they want the Fed to directly get involved, but on THEIR side of the issue.

Rusty P, Hunterdon, NJ

Being a Type I this sounds really good until I read they had only been been diagnosed within the previous six weeks. My first three months on insulin had me down to less than 2 units per day, now 24 years later I use nearly 100 units per day. The test needs to happen with long term diabetics to be real!! I have heard reports like this for the past 25+ years!! Hope its true but very much doubt it!!

Jens, SmallTown, Wisconsin

Embryonic stem cells have not produced cures worth a damn, while adult stem cells show promise all the time. [BTW, Embryonic stem cell research continues, on animals.] Do you know that if you are injected with embryonic cells that, since they have different DNA, your body can reject them? That you need to take immunosuppressants, just like you do to stall transplanted organ rejection? That rats treated with embryonic stem cells, to make them not rejected, are genetically modified to reduce their immunity response and live basically in a "plastic bubble" for the rest of their lives? That embryonic stem cells can specialize incorrectly and cause a tumor and cancer? You generally don't hear about this stuff, huh?

Steve, Melville, NY

Thankfully, scientific advances today allow us to move forward on embryonic stem research without harming the human embryo. Some of these methods include Altered Nuclear Transfer which programs an unfertilized egg to produce embryonic stem cells. Another method uses embryos that have naturally died, but from which stem cells may still be derived and used. Both of these methods, and potentially others down the road, create the valuable pluripotent stem cells that have made embryonic stem cell research so desirable. But they do so without destroying embryos. And...yes, it is about me, me, me! I am a Type 1 diabetic, so far living with this horrible disease since 1981, I unfortunately have four relatives including a sister that died at age 18 and my mother who died at age 43 of this same horrible disease. How can you not wish for a way to cure it? It is not dying the same as with cancer, it takes much longer and with many more complications. Lets look at other ways to cure Type 1!

Bev, Eagan, MN

I'm sure this must be a repeat of ideas already conveyed here but I'd like to point out that other proven, documented SUCCESSES have been made in treating a number of conditions using ADULT stem cells as well as those taken from cord blood after delivery of a live baby. These included treatments of several autoimmune disorders, spinal cord injury and heart damage. Embryonic cells thus far (and yes they ARE being used in research) have thus far not resulted in any successes and in fact have resulted in tumor growth. Check out this site for more info:
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=IS04J01

Claudia, Houston, USA

Congrats for sneaking in the dig at Pres Bush over fetal stem cells, but you should research and learn that embryonic stem cells have not shown promise in various treatments...they act like cancer cells and cause small tumors, because they're so undifferentiated (just like highly metastatic cancer cells).

Adult and cord blood stem cells have shown promise, however; this is further proof of it. I would be curious to see how embryonic stem cells work in comparison. I bet they won't work as well.

Greg, Hattiesburg, USA / MS

The article is indeed agenda driven in that it was the subjects own stem cells (obviously not embrionic stem cells) that were used. The only reason to mention embrionic stem cells is to confuse the issue and try to drum up support for that position. As has been pointed out the problem with using embryos is that a baby dies. It also needs to be reiterated that embrionic stem cell research is not illegal it just not federally funded which is what all these people want: FREE PUBLIC MONEY. My money which I don't want used to end life.

David McLeod, Salem, OR

This isn't about embryonic stem cells - the writers are trying to slyly slide that in DESPITE quoting the doctors as saying THESE stem cells came from the patients being treated. So the biggest stem cell advance to date (all advances, actually) has come from - the patient's own body.
So why the ongoing insistence on devalueing human life and tearing apart an unborn baby to play research games that don't amount to anything ??
What I find so telling is that the same liberals who have heart failure if you eat a steak , wear leather, or want to do medical research with rats are TOTALLY in favor of using MY tax dollars to use the unborn of our own species to do research that has yet to have any positive outcome.
I applaud these doctors for finding a solution with the patient's own stem cells- and I say Bad On You to the writers who try to twist this success into yet another death campaign.

Kit, Tulsa, Ok/USA

Great ghost, did the link to this page show up on some pro-life e-mail list urging everyone to come and announce how stupid embryongic stem cell research is? I can't believe that someone's announcing a incredible improvement in medical research, and all you can do is continue to whine and spout vitriol about other people. Christian behavior, indeed. To those of you with friends and family afflicted by this disease, I hope that this treatment truly produces a benefit, and that we will continue to fund all forms of scientific research to produce such great results.

Hopeful Reader, Baltimore, MD

Again, the article said that the stem cells were from their own bodies, that is, ADULT stem cells. Why embryonic stem cells were mentioned is beyond me, the author of the article is somewhat confused. Also keep in mind, and this is not generally made clear, that any "cure" from an embryonic stem cell is a cure based on cells obviously from another "person" with different DNA than you and your body can reject those stem cells at any time, like an organ from someone else. Adult stem cells from your own body do not have a threat of rejection. Keep this in mind when you think of cures from embryonic stem cells. Such cures that have been documented in lab rats don't usually mention that those rats have to be genetically modified to supress their immune system and have have to be isolated from germs. So, you could trade diabetes for an immune deficiency that has to be created by taking immunosuppressants. This article, however, talks of adult stem cells, which don't have that problem.

Steve, Melville, NY

Of course, drudge readers always have to make the claim of a liberal bias, huh? While some progress has been shown in treating diabetes with adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells have the potential to do much more. To equate that research with abortion is pure lunacy, and we're lucky that society is progressing beyond the kinds of narrow-minded individuals who have posted here today.

Michael, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

To Bruce from Kentucy,
I think that your line about "in a fair world, people who are against embryonic stem cell research, shouldn't be able to recieve embryonic stem cell treatments" is fairly amusing. I am dead set against embryonic stem cell research, but I realize that it still goes on despite my moral objections. Personally, my family has been hit hard by Alzheimer's. I've watched both of my mother's parents wither away to mere shells of what they used to be. My Grandfather died not knowing who he or anyone else was, and my family refuses to tell my grandmother of his death because then the rare moments where she is lucid would be spent in dismal heartache. Eventually, I will have to watch my own mother go through this, and then I will be the burden on my kids as I go through this horrible disease. I would do almost anything to prevent it. But my conscious wouldn't be able to cope with taking the life of an innocent so that mine could be more comfortable.

Norman, St. George, UT, USA

I'm in the medical field and what most people who supports embryonic stem research doesn't understand is the COMPATIBILTY ISSUE. It will never work!

If the recipient doesn't REJECT the donor embryonic stem cell, The embryonic stem cell will repect the donor by form tumors, not just regular tumors but virulent ones. If you research it more you will see!

Zar, Twinsburg,

Enough debating, folks. My son has type 1, going on seven years now. I'm afraid everybody is missing the point that this treatment "as reported" only works before the islets are destroyed, usually less than a year after onset. It's a morning after vaccine/treatment with some moderate risks, and like cancer treatment, only works if the disease is caught early. It's still really great news.

MMM, Montara, CA

Thank you all for taking a positive story...one that gives hope to all of us who have diabetes....and turning it into a political battle. I was interested in reading these "comments" because I thought it would be a healthy discussion about the options for people who have had diabetes for numerous years (I'm 29 and have had diabetese for 26), about other medications that may be necessary after this type of treatment, and about how diabetics could get involved in future studies, etc. If anyone would like to have such a discussion please leave out your political views and focus on the medical advances that could be a benefit to so many of us.

MLB, St. Augustine, Florida

A stem cell is a stem cell is a stem cell. Why does anybody really care about what kind of stem cell was used in this study or in that study? As long as the result is beneficial and potentially life saving I don't care and I do think a debate is trying to be brought about and it should be.

Lauren, Jacksonville, Florida

Agreeing with the 3 comments I've read, I would only add that the gratuitous introduction of "embryonic stem cells" should have been followed with a note that not only have NO embryonic stem cells been found to aid in any disease, but that in fact they have gone wildly out of control.

Charles Hurkes, Washington, DC USA

answer to Kate, Maynooth, Ireland
The white blood cells that are removed by the chemotherapy have been misprogramed in the Thymus to attack the beta cells that produce insulin.
The stem cells they put back are unprogramed, so they can make more white blood cells that hopefully will not attack the beta cells that are left.

Dean Becker, Denver, Colorado USA

Some how the insulin makers will stop this. Diabetes is a cash cow not only for insulin makers, but for all related companies that make diabetes supplies. Diabetes is too profitable to cure.

Mary, Adrian, Mi

Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC) research, to date, has been very unproductive. ESC's are too close to cancer cells, most attempts using ESC's have resulted in cancers.

It is the adult stem cell research that has proven to be fruitful. It is adult stems that have provided this cure. Same with most of the other cures using stem cells.

ESC research is basically a waste of money.

Greg, Bagram, Afghanistan

Thank you Londoner! I agree wholeheartedly. The people who discuss this as dispassionately as if they are discussing how to harvest plants drive me crazy! Let them lie on a sick bed for a few years or live each day praying to be able to see tomorrow or that they won't need a kidney transplant. It sure feels different when you are the one who is sick and suffering. Hundreds of thousands of individuals should suffer for fear that someone, somewhere may someday ethically abuse scientific knowledge? Give me a break. And for those who feel that government funding isn't an important factor in the development of these cures - I wonder how long you would want to live with these diseases while researchers struggle to obtain enough funding to make significant developments? Our lives hang by a thread while we wait - and hope. Please consider all of us.

Go Londoner!, Milwaukee, USA

So will this stem-cell research only work for people that have RECENTLY been diagnosed with diabetes.. and not for those who have had it for years?

Katherine, St. Paul,

JD makes the key point here. The breakthrough is using ADULT stem cells, not embryonic. But it isn't just most successful treatments that have come from adult stem cells, it is all. It is not necessary to destroy a human embryo. Pro-lifers and libertarians are not against stem cell research, only government funded research that destroys human life. It is the pro-abortion media that purposely blurs the lines to avoid having a real debate on the issue.

bryan, Cypress, CA

What do you think happens to those embryonic cells when they are not used for research? Cold storage expires and they get tossed out in the garbage. If I were a leftover embryo and I had the choice between giving the gift of a few extra years to a grandfather dying of parkinsons and allowing him to see his grandchildren reach college or being thrown in garbage can. I'd happily be a gift to the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
Oh and FYI, all of the best research minds in the United States are currently moving overseas and improving the economy for other nations. Specifically those who are not so shallow minded as to believe that money spent on a killing in a war is more important than funding education or scientific research towards improving the grand ol' US of A.

Darian, Twin Cities, MN,

This is GREAT news! Think of all the people who suffer now from Type 1 diabetes. I have a neice who is 15 and on a pump. What a wonderful thing if she could get off the pump through her own means using her own cells. As for the remarks about federal funds, I'd much rather my funds be used for embrionic stem cells than for the Iraq war - stem cells give hope to life, war takes life out. That's a no brainer!

Mary, Marietta, Ga

Please note, the stem cells affecting these results were NOT embryonic stem cells. No intelligent person is opposed to stem cell research, we are opposed to sacrificing human beings in an embryonic state to cure mature human beings when there are other, better alternatives. If embryonic stem cell research were truly so promising, individuals wishing to do such research would have backers lined up at their doors instead of begging American taxpayers for a hand out.

Laurie, Denver,

Hmmm...and this is happening overseas...Hmmmm...Thank you U.S. F.D.A. for watching out for us.......I

John, Sacramento, CA

I think this is a great article. i am for stem cell research if it helps find cures for several types of illnesses. As a sufferer of Diabetes Type 1 for about 8 years now. I would be thrilled to try anything new! I have participated in a study for inhaled insulin, but thats still far away, and I dont think it will be accurate.I would give almost anything to live the life of a normal human and not have to worry about hyper/hypo glycemic reactions!!

Raul Cano, Harlingen, Tx USA

The article states, "But research using the most versatile kind of stem cells — those acquired from human embryos — is currently opposed by powerful critics, including President Bush.", but there is nothing to back the claim that those stem cells are the "most versatile", or even the most promising.

To the best of my knowledge there is not one instance of embryonic stem cells curing anything, while adult stem cells have been proven to tangible curative effects.

Sally, Atlanta, GA/USA

Why the long discussion on stem cell research? This has nothing to do with embryonic stem cells... The world needs to disassociate the words stem cells from embryonic research. So much good comes from stem cells (non embryonic cells). We should all be thankful that science found this possible cure. I'm ecstatic! More stem cell research please, not less. We don't need to use embryos for research or cures. This is joyous news!

Jen, smalltown, USA

There has been NO success achieved using embryonic stem cells for ANYTHING. All medical success with regrowing tissue is found through adult stem cells. Why is there even a debate anymore? I wish the pseudo-scientists would just admit there is no need for embryonic stem cells and quit asking for funding. There is TONS of government funding for adult stem cell research.

Daniel, Brady, Texas, USA

It takes HUMAN scientists to cure GOD's diseases.

Joe, colorado springs, CO.

Contrary to the picture the media has painted, embryonic research is plenty funded privately. Bill Clinton didn't fund research either.

A person is a person no matter how small. Stop destroying perfectly viable and unique human DNA--that already spells out how the girl or boy might look as an adult--just for research. No better than Nazis. Wha'ts next, Eugenics?

Chris, Monroe, WA

Nice job on the misleading headline -- this individual was cured by an injection of HIS OWN stem cells. No extermination of human life required -- hence, no debate whatsoever on this issue. Again, an advancement for adult stem cells with no proven benefit from stem cells harvested at the expense of life.

Bob, Los Angeles, CA

At what point do we not only use surplus embryos for stem cell salvaging, but actually create living embryos for the soul purpose of killing them?

Victor Sacco, Haverhill, MA

It never ceases to amaze me that the media always tries to sneak in a half truth. Embryonic stem cells are the most versatile stem cells simply because they are present in embryos and they are responsible for forming major organ systems. In that aspect they are correct but purposefully misleading. Embryonic stem cells have not cured one single malady. Not one. Other forms of stem cells have cured multiple things including as it appears now, diabetes. Its almost comical how the media thinks.

Nathan, Rockville, USA / MD

As a type #1 diabetic for almost 38 years this is a promising developement. I will be interested in the longterm of these patients. The ones they have previously done using islet cell transplants from donors have had inital good resaults but after 5 years the sucess rate drops dramatically. Stem cells might correct the insulin producttion but they don't address the cause of it rehappening. IMHO no stem cell research will cure diabetes for the long haul and I think the finding last year by a Canadian researcher offers much more hope. He found that diabetes is a nerve problem and not a autioimmune disorder. His reaserch is on going and so far very promising. He uses a drivitive of hot pepper to paralyze the nerves surrounding the pancrease and then the islet cells begin to work againSo far it works for people like me who are far past newly diagonsed

Please stop using us type #1 diabetics as the poster child for embryonicstem cell research.Embryos are as much human life as any of us ar

chris b, zanes., USA

Stem cells from umbilical cords work much better than embryonic stem cells and they are discarded after child birth. I thought getting pregnant meant "having a baby" rather than an embryo.

Teresa, Beaver Falls , USA PA

The headline could have very easily said "Diabetic cured by ADULT stem cell treatment." but instead, in the usual typical liberal fashion they bury it deep in the story. Only adult stem cells and stem cells taking from cord blood are making these amazing advances without, it appears, any of the side effects. I wonder if Michael J. Fox will support this, or will he continue on with the same liberal hypocrites who, despite the evidence, continue to promote the killing of innocent, unborn, human beings?

gb, Menifee, CA

I am 16 and have type 1 diabetes I have had it for four years! I think this is brilliant news... but has taken a while now! Lets just hope they get somewhere with this breakthrough so that us diabetics can lead a normal life like anyone else. All these different breakthroughs I hear about and nothing has happened, so fingers crossed...

Camilla, London, England

What is it that people who promote ESCR don't understand? Embryonic stem cell treatments are notorious for causing cancer (teratomas) and they also cause rejection responses because they are foreign bodies. They have cured NOTHING. No private investors want to invest in the research because it may NEVER produce a cure (that's why the ESC researchers are always grabbing for the taxpayers' wallets). Adult stem cells have already produced many CURES. We should put our money there.

I do love the people who say they don't care how many human beings need to die in order to obtain a cure--Dr. Mengele would be so proud!

Judith M., Brainerd, MN

Why does the article even bring up embryonic stem cells? This amazing potential treatment was done without that technology. Would embryonic stem cells make it more effective? Or, are they just trying to stir up a debate?

Fred Bentron, Philadelphia, PA

I believe that it was inappropriate for the author of this article not to clearly state that this study was done with Adult Stem Cells and that the President is opposed to Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Rather, the author implied that they are the same thing.

Dave Watjen, Manassas, US / Virginia

"Stem cells drawn from their own blood" While the reporter chose to raise the question of embryos as a source of stem cells, let's not overlook the fact that the report of the day is that adult stem cells work therapeutically.

Mark, Grand Rapids, Michigan

What's more is that while adult stem cell therapy has yielded many positive results, no such results have ever been produced from using embryonic stem cells. The fact is the greatest potential for finding revolutionary cures lies with research in adult stem cells. It's also not a hot-button issue because it doesn't involve the destruction of an independent embryo. While many cures have been found using adult stem cell research the media refuses to draw a distinction between the two types of research, preferring instead to label those who oppose embryonic destructive stem cell research simply as opposing stem cell research; the implication being that those people oppose all stem cell research, a suggestion that simply isn't true.

Benjamen Perry, Spokane, WA

I don't understand this part of it "they then underwent a mild form of chemotherapy to eliminate the white blood cells causing damage to the pancreas."
Why wouldn't you do this for all newly diagnosed Type 1 patients?
Then "They were then given transfusions of their own stem cells to help rebuild their immune systems."
But weren't they just putting back in what they had just taken out? Why is that different from leaving the stem cells already in the patient's blood?

Kate, Maynooth, Ireland

Ok, let's say harvesting brain cells from a 2 year old can save 100 children. I guest those parents should be glad to sacrifice one 2 year (probably from a poorer nation).

Ed Lee, Brooklyn, NY

Embryonic stem cells were not discovered until 1981.. and that was in lab rats. They were discovered in humans in 1998. Stem cells were discovered in 1964. To say we haven't found any cures from Embryonic Stem cells is just crazy... They haven't been around for NEARLY as long as Stem Cells, and they haven't the funding that stem cells have.

Stacy, Dallas, Tx

The article should have pointed out in the very first paragraph that the stem cells were drawn from the patient's own body first before any chemotherapy was performed. The discussion in the article on stem cell research seems to have been done to cloud the issue and make readers assume the stem cells need to come from unborn babies. The breaking TV story on it was much clearer and non-political.

Pauline, Poulsbo, Wa

So far I have not heard any of you faith-based scientists answer the question of why it's ok to throw these cells away but it's not ok to use them for research. Your silence is deafening and your hypocrisy is blatant.

C. Darryl Mattison, Utica, NY

Hey Zoomie - this medical breakthrough happened using ADULT stem cells - not embryonic stem cells.

There has not been one - not one - medical breakthrough using embroynic stem cells. All we hear about is the what-ifs from the esc people.

Why kill innocent life when all the advancements have come about using adult or cord blood stem cells?

Don, Abq., USA

It says in the second paragraph that the stem cells were from their own blood.

Cathy, Grand Island, Nebraska

I have been Diabetic for 35 years. 3 years ago i was also diagnosed with Sarcoidosis an auto-immune disease. I sincerely hope this research and cure is a complete success for all sufferers of a week immune system. This has to be worth a successful conclusion! This makes me wish i could bring forward my birth date to 20 years time and that my medical conditions could be wiped out with a single injection of my own stem-cells. I would then be able to experience life as a fitter person, which would be nice!

Susan Harman, Southampton, England

Embryonic stem cells ARE the most versatile and public funding IS crucial for scientific research.
So, President Bush opposition is, indeed, an important fact to be brought up in this article.
United States could lead the world in stem cell research; instead, we are locked down by the dogmatic conservatives.

Tony, Alpharetta, GA

Where is the treament available? No matter what the cost or where it is located WE ARE THERE!!!

Kimberly Wade, Houston, TX/USA

Of course there is an ulterior motive. How many times was the phrase “adult stem cell” mentioned in the article?

Sam, Lawton, ok

My son is 11. He has to have at least 5 shots a day. I hope in his lifetime he will see a cure. I am glad to know the research is being done.

M Little, Livingston, Montana

Mark another one up for ADULT stem cell research. I do like how the author failed to directly mention the fact that it was adult stem cells and not embryonic stem cells that made this therapy possible. Why is this debate still going on? I have looked and found no break throughs with embryonic stem cells and many with adult stem cells. No amount of erstwhile babies is going to resurrect Christopher Reeves, much less make him walk again. Its all about milking the government for money that will lead to nothing.

Michael Robson, Austin, TX

This success has nothing to do with embryonic stem cells, and this article, while accurate, makes that fact difficult to discern. In fact, enormous strides have been made on numerous fronts with adult stem cells. Your statement that embryonic stem cells might be more "versatile" is nothing more than conjecture at this point. Also, the US does not prohibit embryonic stem cell research, our government simply does not invest tax dollars in a research base which is viewed as immoral by most Americans. If/when the people who believe embryonic stem cell research is the way to go are able to prove theirs is the way to go, there will be no shortage of private investors to fund their research. Until then, we should set aside the politics, and enjoy the success researchers are having in the area of adult stem cell research.

Chuck, Philadelphia, USA

Provide me with one example where embryonic stem cells have been successful. It will be difficult to find. In contrast, there are hundreds of examples, as in this article, where ADULT stem cells have been successful. And there is no moral dilemma with adult stem cells. So your comment about Bush is irrelevant, purely political, and has misleading inferences.

Marty Robin, Maineville, Ohio, USA

This is a fantastic discovery that does not effect embryos. This research is dealing with ADULT stem cells. Additionally, there are many other diseases that have the potential to be cured with adult stem cells. Unfortunately while the article points to embryonic stem cells as being the most versitile is does not point to their down side. These negatives include a high probability of causeing malignancies and the potential of immunie rejection, such as an organ transplant, requiring a lifetime of anti-rejection, immune suppression drugs. Neither of which is a problem with the use of adult stem cells.

John, Orlando, USA/FL

Wonderful news on the research showing help for those suffering from diabetes.

One bone to pick, however. The author has mis-represented the president's view on stemcell research. He has made it clear that the government should not provide funding towards SCR, not that he is against the research, as the author has indicated. To bring a political view into the article that is misstated discredits your view on this important and necessary area of research.

I'm in favor of many advancements, but do not believe that the big hand of govt should be involved in making them happen. Let the market dictate the success...Believe you, me, when a privately funded company can cure diabetes, their rewards will be immense, regardless of gov't intervention. Did the govt fund Viagra? Doubtfully.

Nick Fosness, Pierre, SD

How many people commenting here on the ethics of stem cell research are actually affected by a chronic condition like type one diabetes? Its very easy to sit on your high horse when you are not sticking a needle into your stomach four times a day.

Londoner, London,

This procedure uses adult stem cells... not embryonic... most successful treatment using stem cells is derived from adult stem cells...

jd, Aliso Viejo, USA/CA

This is one more piece of mounting evidence that adult stem cells are the way to go. Embyonic stem cells have produced no cures just tumors. All the largest medical breakthroughs have been a result of adult stem cells which the Bush administration supports and funds with more money than any president in history. This should be an argument about science rather than an argument of ideology. If it were only about science there would be no one arguing that we should kill more fetuses to do research that has gone nowhere and instead focus on these adult stem cells.

Justin, Hartford, CT

MP:

Like most Libs, you don't let truth dissuade you from your agenda. You don't believe in war? Fine. Just don't go making up conspiracies to justify your belief system. You have valid opinions and you are entitled to them. You are not, however, entitled to ignore truth or make up things in order to justify it.

Charles, Fairfield, Iowa, USA

Please note that these people were injected with their own stem cells not embryonic ones. The body will reject foreign cells. All the progress is with adult stems cells. People are trying to make more money off the harvesting of embryonic cells. There is much less money to be made if people are using their own cells.

Rui, Shelton, U.S.

Thank God for giving us science to find the cures we need to make life better..! There are a lot of un used embryotic stem cells going to waste due to our idiotic Idea that they are people when they are not... The smarter we get the dumber we seem... Sorry that so many americans can not see the light. Think I will move to england or maybe some where even more advanced like India...

cc, pittsburg, USA

This process involves using adult stem cells--there should be no controversy. ESCR is not curing anything currently--it causes nasty cancers.

Kyle, Houston, Texas,

For a new Type I patient I hope that the US will consider this cure in the near future. I was diagnosed this past November and it has been a hard ordeal...since I am in my late 20s. It has been a huge change in my life and will most likely end my military career. Let us see what the FDA will have to say about it.

APT, Virginia Beach, VA

What an amazing discovery. My mother lived 57 years with Diabetes -- she was diagnosed when she was just 18 mos. old and took insulin shots every day of her life. She also had a kidney transplant. How amazing to think that others may not have to go through the hurting and helplessness my mother and our family experienced with this cruel disease.

What's even more encouraging is that these people are being cured using their own stem cells! Absolutely amazing... That's where I think the research needs to be focused - and not on embryonic stem cells. Science has shown there is much more to be gained by taking this route (of researching adult/self - stem cell research) rather than one laced with concerns about morality.

Liberty, Wisconsin, United States

I oppose this research on the grounds that it does not destroy any embryos and consequently does not anger people enough to argue on the internet in order to feel good about themselves...

Ben, Columbus, OH, USA

In the US/UK and many other countries In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) used to treat childless couples produces thousands of unwanted embryos that are currently destroyed. Is anyone suggesting we should stop IVF, destroy the hopes of thousands couples to stop this apparent carnage of embryos ? No than why are we not using these embryos for research before there are destroyed. Independent of your beliefs, isn't that the pragmatic solution until we do ban IVF ?

JK, Livingston, Scotland, UK

Go Guys Go!!!

Death to Diabetes in 5 YEARS!

If they're going to save lives, then the "ground up" dead babies need not have died in vain, but have indeed performed a great sacrafice to a world they never knew.

There, I said it!

Bob Baker, Simi Valley, California

I saw China and Vietnam mentioned as potential winners in medical health. I think they already are winners. Where else can you go for an organ and have the entire prison system of the country searched for a match for you? Who cares about morality when it is your body, and some poor dissentient will willingly die for your health?
(For the ignorant, that is spelled irony, for the educated, that is a logical extension of not respecting the life of others.)

David, Winchester, VA, USA

Once again, the wonderful opportunities and advances using stem cells are not coming from embyonic lines. Yes, America wake up............. don't waste tax payor dollars on wishful thinking............. use tax dollars where the hope and obviously the proof lies........... adult stem cells.
As always follow the money......... privateers are putting more money in adult stem cell research, because it works. There's a huge reason, beyond morality, that private funds are not going to embryonic research.

Vickie, Anderson, IN

As a Type I diabetic, I am glad to see these types of advances. However, I have always been wary of the claims of stem cells, since the media always emphasizes embryonic stem cell research. I have been of the mindset that if a cure was developed using embryonic cells, I would refuse it--I would choose not to live at the expense of another life. While this research is not a cure for me, having been diabetic for nearly 20 years, it is an advance that may lead to a cure.

The difference is that now I have stronger hope that my children will not have to suffer from this disease. Now I hope and pray that these researchers can help me before the disease kills me.

John, Westampton, USA / NJ

I don't care where the stem cells come from if it will cure my son of Type 1 Diabetes. He was 12 when first diagnosed and is now 18, he injects twice a day but his doctor says he needs to go onto a different regime and inject 4 times a day. Who would be prepared to sit back and let this continue if there was any chance of a cure? I'm sure most people would always put their children first and i certainly would put him before an embryo any day. I would even go so far as to become pregnant again so as to use the stem cells if it meant curing him. Anyone who would not put the well-being of their child before an embryo cannot call themselves a good loving parent in my opinion. I would die for my children if neccessary.

Victoria Cheston, London, England

Notice that the cure came from their own blood stem cells not an embryo's. If embryonic stem cells are so promising private sector investment would be all over it since private funding in the U.S. is NOT prohibited only government funding.

Embryonic stem cell research is nothing but modern day vampirism, the old eating the young to extend their lives.

Jamie, Olmsted Falls, U.S./Ohio

No one (even George Bush) is opposed to any stem cell research. A majority of us are opposed to the research being paid for with our tax dollars. It is a lie to say in a news report that George Bush is opposed to stem cell research. How credible are the rest of your news stories?

Charles K. Howard, Oktaha, Oklahoma, USA

Just to remind or educate some people. Embryotic stem cell research is not illegal in the U.S. it's just not federally funded.

Ben, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A

Key words here, "drawn from their own blood", there are many other ways to get stem cells than from embryos. Let's not lose sight of the real issue, not grinding up babies, but money, money, money. Stem cell research on embryos in not illegal, just don't do it with my tax money.

Tammy, Indianapolis,

These people were helped by using stem cells from the own blood. Why does everyone want to kill babies, when the same thing can be accomplished without it? Even though this article has nothing to do with fetal stem cells, the media wants to make this controversial. Read the article before you comment.

David Lacy, Manchester, TN, USA

there has not been a single breakthrough with embryonic stem cells. This article attempts to put embryonic and adult stem cells on the same level. We have plenty of embryonic stem cell lines available to prove its loftly stated potential. if business saw the same potential in them as activist do, they would pour money into research. But. business is not doing that. Instead, they are putting money into adult stem cells.

Marc P, Kissimmee, Florida, USA

My 9 year old nephew is a Type 1 Diabetic. A Type 1 diabetics life expectancy is about 15 years less than the normal person. I would do anything for him to be cured. Especially since he did nothing to get this condition, unlike most Tupe 2 diabeti If people can be properly educated regarding stem cells than the mass hysteria that the name provokes may finally end. Especially here in the States - some people are ridiculous.

CC, Virginia Beach, VA

President Bush is NOT against embryonic stem cell research. He authorized that kind of research on existing lines. He is against federal dollars going for embryonic stem cell research as are most people of consciense.

RAM, Colo Spgs, CO

I think the people who report these stories in the media don't have a clue - repeat after me, this is ADULT stem cell therapy, there is absolutely no promise whatsoever with embryonic, only ADULT stem cells are creating effective treatments, and how magnificient they are!

Trenton, colorado springs,

I wonder if the report who wrote this story actually understands the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. I agree with the host of other posted comments that adult stem cells show great promise (I'm hoping for a treatment to regrow damaged ear hair and nerve cells). But using aborted fetuses for medical research is downright morbid and creepy.

Hopefully science will show that embryonic stem cells are not as effective or economical as adult stem cell treatments.

Dave, Greene, NY

I would give anything to get off of insulin....Please give me
a try....

Jack, Wichita, Kansas

While the writer tries to disparage opponents of embrionic stem sell research, the article demonstrates yet another example of succsessful (non-embrionic) stem sell treatments. To date, this cannot be said of embrionic stem cell treatments, which have produced nothing other than tumors. As far as the versitility of embrionic stem cells go, the latest research has shown that stem cells drawn from the birth sack, (ambiotic stem cells) are so far just as versitile. The writer fails to mention this.

Ray Davidson, San Diego , California

Stem cells copy other ceels around them. They do not create new cell types. Something is not being told. Stem cells on there own could not cure a wart.

John J., Jackson, NJ

There is a potential cure for Type I diabetes out there that does not use stem cells (embyonic or adult). Researchers in Toronto have discovered that, in simplified terms, the pancreas is shut down due to pain. They injected a medicine into the pancreas to inhibit the pain receptors. Once the pain inhibitors stopped the signals to the pancreas, the pancreas started producing insuline again.

Do a search for the journal called "Cell" and search the site for the technical article, or do a search on any of the Toronto newspapers (thestar.com or torontosun.com). It is quite an interesting read.

Stem cells are not always the answer that we are looking for.

DAK, Toronto, ON, Canada

Why can we not use the COUNTLESS unused fertilized embryos from fertility clinics that would otherwise be destroyed? No one is crying out over this, no one is saying they have the right to life and mandating they all be implanted. No one is calling fertility clinics genocidal and yet they destroy thousands of embryos daily.

You talk so big about how embryonic stem cell research is so evil and how you value life, but don't even consider fertility clinics because you haven't been told what to think about it.

Zoomie Junior, Omaha,

15 patients is tooooooo small of a research sample if they want external validity they need alarger/more representative sample of the population........i wouldl love for it to work....my mother and grandmother have diabetes......until they have decent research dont get ur hopes up .....im not!

Wil, Searcy, Arkansas

@Recovering Feminist:

You asked, "Would you allow the so-called medical experiments the Nazis did on the Jews to give us a "cure" for some disease?"

Yes, absolutely. The Nazis committed atrocities in the name of medical science, and performed experiments that could never be ethically duplicated. Why not make use of the knowledge gained from those experiments, so that the victims will not have died in vain? We do ourselves no favor by ignoring past discoveries, although those discoveries were made under awful conditions.

RP, Sterling, VA

It is truly amazing how you spin a positive story about a cure found for diabetes from adult stem cells into your own political agenda by inserting into the story how the "most versatile kind of stem cells-those acquired from human embryos-is currently opposed by powerful critics, including President Bush." If you were a truly unbiased reporter you might mention the fact that there IS legal research being conducted on human embryos and despite almost 100 cures having been discovered from adult stem cells there have been ZERO cures found by killing these so called "most versatile" human embryos!

Mark, Miami, USA

It’s easy to be dogmatic when healthy. Those of you with strong views should spare a thought for the folks that suffer from conditions that could be cured. Try wearing their shoes. Think of the people who are suffering when you look in the mirror.

George Wilton, New York, USA

I am Juvenile onset Diabetic and I will fly anywhere to take part of the cure! Does anyone have info on being apart of this? Please use me! I need my life back again being a mother of two very active young sons to live for!

Amy, Orem, Utah

As abortion is legal in the United States, why not make use of the foetuses? I suppose if you wanted to STRETCH, you could make the argument that it would further promote abortions. As it is, thousands of babies are being aborted every day. You would prefer to just incinerate or throw them in a dumpster rather than use them for scientific research?

Jim Isaacs, Austin, TX

An interesting discussion, but it ignores the fact that Bush is the first president to allow any public financing of embrionc stem cell research.

Bill Brownson, Lipan, TX

Treatment and/or cure efficacy score is 72 for adult stem cell sources to ) for embryonic stem cells. Indeed all that has been shown so far about highly undifferentiated embryonic stem cells is that they have a notable tendency to form tumors. If you want to find a cure do it God's way and that won't be by farming embryos. The study above used adult stem cells. Why mention George Bush's opposition to embryonic stem cell research. That research is going on in this country by private companies. Pres. Bush rightly opposes Federal funds for that research.

chris shoffner, NC,USA, USA

The stem cells used in this project were not embryotic stem cells. President Bush does not oppose stem cell research only public funding of embryotic stem cell research. There has been successful stem cell research using the type of cells in this project (adult stem cells) To date there is no research proving that embryotic stem cells are better than adult stem cells.

Willa, lowville, NY

Once again another cure brought on by adult stem cell research. I note the author's spin by throwing in the uterly worhtles commet of "But research using the most versatile kind of stem cells — those acquired from human embryos — is currently opposed by powerful critics, including President Bush" fails to take into consideration the fact that ESCR has only produuced more virult forms ocf cancer and not one cure. While adult stem cell research has helped the blind see, the lame walk and the infirmed live mroe healthy lives.

Sam H, Manhattan, Kansas

Embryonic stem cell research has nothing to do with abortion or religion it is about saving lives, and improving the quality of life for those with chronic illnesses. This treatment was done with adult stem cells so bringing embryonic stem cells into this discussion is rediculous. Also as a Type 1 diabetic for the past 17 years I am totally for anything that can cure this disease, and to me using any stem cells is no different than using a donated tissues and organs. If you don't want others to benefit from modern science through stem cell research, then I don't think you should benefit from any modern medicine advances over the last hundred years because surely they are interfering with gods will. Also, don't be too hopeful about a cure because diabetes is the cash cow for drug companies so institutional research will continue but converting it into commercial procedures will take forever without funding from drug companies.

Nathan`, Newport News, VA

Pay attention? Read the article again:

"transfusions of stem cells drawn from their own blood"

Embrionic stems cells were only mentioned because of the controversy surrounding them.

rjf, Willoughby, OH

Uuuuh, embryos are mearly a growth from your body. Humans need to shed the egotistical view of themselves. Its A CLUMP OF CELLS!!! Don't give me any of this "well the human being is alive at Xmonths of gestation.." nonsense. How about this is a a 2 sided cure. Stop having undesired babies, and improving the current population!

max, chicago,

To MP,

From Ron (Paralysis below the waist, 20 year old son with type 1 diabetes)

We're praying for adult stem cell cure(s) and cofidently await our new bodies on the other side

Ron Swann, dunwoody, ga

Worst reporting in recent memory. When is the retraction/correction coming?

Michael, Brookline, USA/MA

To Deb in Leominster who wrote:

"The article, though, is purposely written without making any distinction, in the hope that the populace also will stop making the distinction in their minds"

It seems to me the irony of this article is that the author clearly points out that the success was with ADULT STEM CELLS and then uses the success to support the government funding embrionic stem cell research. I'm sure someone who has studied logic can give us the latin expression for this type of flawed reasoning/arguement.

Ron Swann, dunwoody, ga

This article unfairly links embryonic stem cell research with the subject of this article - adult stem cell therapy.

This is a common tactic by those in the embryonic stem cell crowd; that is, to take the success of adult stem cell therapies and try to apply them to their own special interest.

There are lots of adult stem cell therapies around. We've been doing bone marrow transplants for years (related). This area holds much promise.

Embryonic stem cell research in which human embryos (i.e. babies) are destroyed is unethical, immoral, and unacceptable.

The ends do not justify the means.

Ariel Miller, Bay City, USA

I love the way the little paragraph about opponents of human embryo stem cells and President Bush was thrown into this article. Nary a mention that most successes [all?] with stem cells have arisen from non-embyonic cells. Not to mention as well that research shows that embryonic stem cells tend to grow tumors.

This, my friends, is what we speak of when we cite 'liberal bias.'

Blatant at that.

stephanie lish, Mastic Beach, new york/usa

The article dismisses Type 2 diabetes with the comment that most patients are able to control their blood sugar with drugs. My husband's type 2 diabetes was acquired when he had the flu. He was not overweight. But he was a surgeon, accustomed to standing in exactly the same position hour after hour, day after day. As a result, he now has diabetic foot ulcers which are almost uncontrollable. This condition most certainly restricts quality of life, frequently leads to amputation, and even premature death. Type 2 diabetes is a mean disease with many ugly tentacles. Fingers crossed this new treatment can help Type 2 sufferers as well.

Jane V, Boquete, Panama

Hey Marie, Nashville try reading again... it says

"But research using the most versatile kind of stem cells — those acquired from human embryos — is currently opposed by powerful critics, including President Bush."

Tom, Dallas, Texas

As usual, the Bush administration position is being portrayed incorrectly. The administration is NOT against stem-cell research. It is NOT against federal funding for stem-cell research. It in fact is the first administration to PROVIDE federal funding for stem-cell research. What they ARE against is the federal funding for research that destroys embryos for EMBRYONIC stem-cell research.

This article talks about a treatment where stem cells were taken from the patients own blood. No embryos were destroyed. No life was destroyed.

For once, can we get honest reporting in this country.

Lee James, Weirton, WV/ USA

As a father of a daughter I welcome this discovery, As an opponent of killing off human life to advance science I am overjoyed that this discovery uses the childs own stem cells. Advancements in stem cell research are happening with adult stem cells not embryonic stem cells. Time will reveal this to be case in all instances.

John, Downers Grove, IL

Too bad the article didn't point enough that these cells were their own adult stem cells, not embrionic stem cells. I always find it interesting how the media will go to such lengths not to credit adult stem cells in this obvious situation, but overplay a slight future potential for embrionic stem cells. What it confirms is that the media can't be trusted to give anyone accurate information on just about any subject manner, espically science.

michael , richmond, usa

I think one thing these articles don't do is tell you that this is not fetal stem cells. These are adult stem cells. There is no abortion required. TIme again, that information is buried. ONly adult stem cells are making these enormous leaps. Read and learn.

David, montague, New Jersey, USA

This is fantastic, despite the liberal spin of this article. It is not told what type of stem cells were actually used until the 16th paragraph....ADULT STEM CELLS. Meanwhile, in the 8th paragraph, it mentions how President Bush opposes the use of embryonic stem cells. While that may be true, the only thing that President Bush has done is to disallow FEDERAL FUNDS from being used to support the destruction of human embryos. Anyone in America is free to destroy these human embryos, as long as federal funds are not used to support this. Let Capitalism rule.....and it appears that it might have with ADULT STEM CELLS.

nester, huntington, west virginia

To everyone going on and on about embryonic stell stem research:

The stems cells in this case came from patient's own blood - not from embryos. Adult stem research is clearly working - there has been little or no success with embryonic stem cells. All successful stem cell research has been with adult stem cells. There is good reason to continue this research and dump any and all money towards embryonic stem cell research as it is useless and more and more research companies are spending less and less money on it and more money on adult stem cell research.

Jennifer, Pleasanton, California

Interesting that a major medical breakthrough, promising hope to millions of Type 1 diabetics and their families gets overshadowed by a debate on morality....
Congrats to Dr Voltarelli’s team and JAMA for their dedication and prayers for their continued success!!!!

Patty, Olathe, Kansas

If embryonic stem cells are better than adult stem cells in any way, private funding would make a profit without government funding. The private funding even has less paperwork.

Research talent and facilities are limited, so why waste it on unproductive efforts like embryonic stem cells? Only pro-abortion advocates looking for ethical cover with my tax dollars would care. Planned Parenthood and Soros can fund embryonic stem cell research, if they want. Itjust takes research away from what is actually helping patients in the real world.

The theory that claims embryonic stem cells are more flexible ignores the complexity of making a cell function within the body of a patient as a specific type of tissue. Adult stem cells have much of that information already.

Joe, Chattanooga, TN

If you've had to stick a needle into your 11 year old twice/thrice daily would you object to stem cell research?
Get real this is the 21C. Blair n' Bush should spend the war money on this research!

Kids want fun/childhood, not adult ethics.

David, London,

It is ironic that in the article it mentions that the treatment is autologous (sp?) which means that they are treated with their own harvested stem cells and it seems to be working. Then they insert their political editorial about the President and Commander in Chief opposing embryonic stem cell research which so far has proved totally worthless. BTW The President has not banned embryonic stem cell-he only banned federal funding of it. I personally think that use of embryonic stem cells is immoral and should be banned-human life is sacred no matter at what developmental stage it is.

BenThere, SLC, UT

This article tried to make a case for researching and using EMBRIONIC STEM CELLS with ADULT STEM CELLS as their example. Adult stem cells have more promise so we should drop all embrionic stem cell research and concentrate on adult stem cells.

G. Mathers, Lancaster,

Reading this article leads one to believe that the Bush administration and America is against finding treatments for such diseases as alzheimers, cancer, parkinsons, spinal cord injuries, etc. because of the opposition to embryonic stem cell research. And sadly most media stories I see and read on the issue also have the same undertone. But this is misleading to the uninformed and to the masses of people that only get there information from the media. Yes it's true that there is opposition to embryonic stem cell research, but to this day not one treatment or cure has been found by using embryonic stem cells, not one! But many successful treatments have been found by adult stem cell research other than just diabetes. Do some research, know the facts because you are not going to get them from the media.

Jake, Boise, ID

No humans was harmed in the making of this therapy. ADULT stem cells from the patients themselves were used. Why did it have to done in Brazil? Because US funding groups like JDRF want only embryonic stem cell research and will not only not fund it, but try to suppress other research,

Kathy, Newark,

The basic science in this issue is settled, embryonic stem cells are not even as close to successful in the treatment and cure of disease as adult stem cells, in fact they aren't successful at all. Whatever else you may think of President Bush, he's the one supporting the science on this issue and his detractors in this case are the ones with political and social agendas that don't allow them to see what's as plain as the nose on thier faces.

John, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

Your story is just that. It's great about the diabetics getting help BUT it did not come from injecting embryonic stem cells! It came from living human beings cells. The funding dispute in the U.S. is about government funding of embryonic stem cell usage. Adult stem cells research is funded by the federal government. Embryonic stem cell research is not funded by the federal government but Private funding is not illegal and in fact does take place.

Get your facts straight.

Rocky , Houston, Texas

Once again, ADULT stem cells have proven their worth. And, yet, we are bombarded by requests for research on embryonic stem cells. What cures have embryonic stem cells provided? Let me count ... ummmm. None?! Think there's an ulterior motive?

Dave, Odessa, MO

I am the mother of a 9-year-old Type I diabetic, and killing other children for the false promise of a "cure" will never come to any good end. This is not just a "point of view", it's repeated history. A simple question to ask is Would you allow the so-called medical experiments the Nazis did on the Jews to give us a "cure" for some disease? Most people would cringe in repulsion to think a murdered human would be acceptable experimental material. Embryonic stem cell research is the same--murdered humans medically exterminated for a false promise of a "cure". The ONLY cure for any disease involving stem cells has been with adult stem cells, umbilical cord blood and other ethical adult stem cell medical miracles. Stop killing the babies waiting to be born--their blood is on our hands, and we will be accountable for their murders on the last day.

Recovering Feminist, Hudson,

The article states that the stem cells were harvested from the bodies of the candidates for the test. "After stem cells had been harvested from their blood..." This is a terrific breakthrough! But, as the other posters have pointed out, the purpose of the article wasn't to point to a new life saving technology as much as it was to push a political agenda. The using of embryonic stem cells isn't just offensive to George Bush, it is offensive to millions and millions of other people who value life. But this article seems to suggest that once again the answer is not in the use of stem cells from babies, but can be used from other sources. And those sources work!

Rick, Mammoth Cave , KY (USA)

Great news, although if you're not paying attention, this article almost makes it sound like embryonic stem cells were used.

I am against embryonic stem cell research, but we also need to think about why these embryos are being produced and why we have so many of these available. Let's stop making embryos like they are a "product" to be used for our convenience.

JZ, Pittsburgh, PA

My understanding is that the US administration opposes PUBLIC funding of embryonic stem cell research.

Just as I would oppose PUBLIC funding Liberal stem cell research, in which we kill people with a 75% or higher liberal voting record!

Again... it's whose ox is being gored....

GWW, Atlanta, GA / USA

President Bush is not opposing tax payer funding for all of stem cell research, just embryonic stem cell research. This article is not correct when it says President Bush opposes stem cell research.

Marie, Nashville, USA

Let's not forget one of the biggest reasons that pharmas want to use embryonic stem cells. Money. If they use stem cells that come from a source other than a bonafide "Person", they can patent it and make lots of money from the treatment. You cannot patent adult stem cells as they come from and belong to a particular individual. But you know what, I have plenty of adult stem cells I would gladly donate, and sign the rights over to, for FREE extraction. There are so many sources of adult stem cells available, leave the pre-borns alone.

KWC, Ottawa, KS, USA

In case no-one has realised, the stem cells used in this trial were from the patients themselves, not embryos. These people can now lead a better quality of life, and also will free up more of the taxpayer's money, as the mony no longer needs to be spent on insulin and all the other equipment that a diabetic needs. Put yourself in the position of the people for whom this research is life-changing for the better, and not just someone with an opinion.

Joanne, Newcastle,

Once again, another possible cure that DID NOT involve using EMBRIONIC STEM CELLS. These stem cells were taken from the individual themselves. I'm so tired of hearing the only possible way to cure a disease is through GOVERNMENT funded embrionic stem cell research.

Steve, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Instead of stem cells from infants,we should endevour to have the cord blood from from every individual frozen at birth.You can see the advantages of having your own,genetically matched embryonic stem cells could provide.It's only a matter of logistics and the will to do it.We have the technology

Htos1, Fernandina, Fl.USA

1. Very clearly stem cells from the patients themselves were used here. So no moral concerns whatsoever, and minimal risk of rejection.
2. Clearly very positive results, even if not for all patients or for all permanently.
Conclusion: this kind of research should be continued and intensified, for diabetes as well as other areas.
All the squabbling Bush or embryonic stem cells is totally off track. Lose your ego's.

John, london, UK

Just a reminder to those who don't equate "a bunch of cells with an actual child or adult life", you also started out as a bunch of cells. The only difference is your bunch of cells was given the opportunity to grow and finish developing.

Heather, Indianapolis, IN, USA

SInce the stem cells are taken from their own blood, it is not embryonic stem cell therapy. The article, though, is purposely written without making any distinction, in the hope that the populace also will stop making the distinction in their minds.

Deb, Leominster, MA

Gratuitous insults against those who oppose abortion and "embryonic" stem cell usage clouds the reality that not a single cure or treatment has EVER come from an embryonic stem cell.
The "embryonic" stem cell is merely a shill to mask the pro-abortion activists. It is the agenda of the anti-religious fanatics who decry any moral judgement. If no moral judgement is permitted against abortion, then sooner or later euthanasia becomes non-judgmental. Then state sanctioned elimination of "less abled" or "less talented" becomes inevitable.

Yes- stem cell research is very important and very needed. However, embryonic stem cells are not a panacea, and never will be the answer.

Roger Mansell, Palo Alto, California

They were cured by their own stem cells, not from embryoes. That part was added as an editorial.

"Stem cells are immature, unprogrammed cells that have the ability to grow into different kinds of tissue and can be sourced from people of all ages."

Joe F., Boston,

Once again, stem cells create a miracle cure. And once again, it is ADULT stem cells. Anything but tumors from embryonic cells to date?

Remember the distinction between embryonic, and adult the next time you see the major media discuss the issue. You will note that they deliberately gloss over the difference. This is not accidental.

Oh, Jenna, if you feel so strongly about embryonic research, there is nothing stopping you from going through egg donation to provide the material required for them to try.

Mike, Westland, Michigan -- US

hooray! we can help our children without killing others. you have to dig, but this was not embryonic.

sheesh, indiana, usa

Dear MP,
Yes, there is morality in not allowing you to grind up children into a bunch of cells and inject them. Your life sucks, too bad. You still don't get to grind up little babies. The amazing part is that the facts tell you this. Every other form of Stem Cell can cure something, embrionic stem cells only cure being healthy. Only inject them if you need a tumor or some sort of cancerous growth.

Jeff, Kabul, Afghanistan

Thank God!! Alright America lets quit screwing around and start helping our children.

RDF, Atlanta, Georgia

The kind of vitriol that you spit out isn't helpful MP. People are entitled to an opinion and it would be at the expense of human life that you and other sufferers will get your cure. You don't seem to have any respect for the argument. I understand that your self-interest will dictate your approach but giving NO respect and NO consideration to another valid point of view is too much. It is those who only see what they want at the end of the process who are selfish. Some of these comments really show what people have become in this country.....me, me, me

judy, Liverpool, england

Jenna, nobody is arguing over stem cell research, only embryonic stem cell research. I dont mind paying for and checking a box on my taxes to pay for stem cell research, as long as it is not embryonic. Being selfish and self centered is what individuals are who support embyonic stem cell research, which I am happy to hear that this research is not part of.

Ray, Cypress, Tx

the article mentions the politics surrounding embryonic stem cells, but fails to mention what kind of stem cells were used in this procedure.... my money says it wasn't embryonic... which begs the question- why bring embryonic stems cells up unless you are pushing an agenda?

stinkybarbie, JAX, FL

The point most people miss is that ALL of this is happening with adult stem cells (NOT the controversial embryonic stem cells). No one, including President Bush, opposes this research. In fact the US government is a large financer of this type of research.

Todd, Hilversum, Netherlands

It wont really matter whether the US or Europe allow stem cell research - in about 10 - 15 years time we will all be flying to China, Vietnam, or Korea for our treatments as they will lead the world in this, as in most other things, while the west continues to pontificate ethical rights and wrongs.
We live in a global village where not everyone is tied up by their own red tape and religious concerns. If the eastern nations or multinationals based in the east can find cures for diseases, then good luck to them.

tony lowe, birmingham, uk

if people are getting abortions anyways might as well use the stem cells from it be stupid not too

screw, tarnsa, oklahoma

This is great news but, of course, you are still left with the immune system must be prevented from attacking the new cells. When we can fix that too without ongoing drugs - WOW

ian, lincoln,

I don't understand the relevance of the paragraph "But research using the most versatile kind of stem cells-those acquired from human embryos-is currently opposed by powerful critics, including President Bush" to this story. According to the article itself, the course of treatment for the study particapants included the use of stem cells harvested from their own blood and NOT embryonic stem cells. I can only guess that it is more fluff to confuse the issue and cast dispersions towards those who are against the use of tax dollars for embryonic stem cell reasearch. All that are participating in this debate should understand that stem cells are harvested from many sources, not only from an embryonic source. I do not know of one policy maker against exploring the possibilities that stem cells have to offer mankind. I believe that most are in favor of reasearch and funding any and all forms, with the exception of embryonic. Statements, such as the cited paragraph only confuse the issue.

G. Scott, Lincoln, USA

How sanctimonius some of the opinions on this discussion are. My brother and I have type 1 diabetes. I really don't care what type of stem cells are used if it finds a cure for this disease. Do you really equate a bunch of cells with an actual child or adult life? Is that serious? You would condemn people like me & my brother and countless others to living with this disease for ever because you believe that embryos are so important. That isn't moraility, its drivel. And people on this site leaping to defend George Bush and his style of 'morality'? We live in very strange times if George Bush is held up as a preserver of life, with his peaceful mission in the Middle East. And finally, people now saying the embryonic cells won't be effective in treatment of disease; how will anyone know if the resaerch isn't allowed?

MP, England, UK

If any of you people had a child or even a close family member that stem cells could one day help, you also would have a box on your taxes to privately pay. I definitely wish I had that opportunity! People need to quit being so self centered and selfish. Look at the good things that can come!

Jenna, Houston, TX

As far as I herd from a scientist in stem cell research only adult stem cells have been tested on humans so far since in embryonic research they came upon 2 problems 1. that a large percent of the mice and rats that have been tested rejected the stem cells throw there immune system 2. a smaller but still lager then 50% got cancer after wards

y gordon, brooklyn, new york

It's good to hear successful stories on stem cell research that utilized adult stem cells, rather than embryonic.

Bruce, come on. Embryonic stem cells are falling by the wayside and becoming a way of the past. Suppose research on embryos becomes commonplace, then what happens next? They tried things like that in 1930s Germany, at the time a brave new society driven by sciencism and darwinism, with government benefits for all. Do you really think you want history to repeat that?

Gene, auburn, ca,

hope

Paul, Toledo, Ohio, USA

Hey Bruce. If you want to fund embryonic stem cell research, feel free to do so and to lead the fundraising efforts in your community. However, once the government gets involved then you are taking away my right to determine where my tax dollars go. Successes such as this should energize private citizens to donate more to the causes they are passionate about such as, in this example, diabetes. Isn't it great to live in a country where you can put your money where your beliefs are? There's a name for government that controls most of the property and earnings of individuals based on how it best determines to spend it - communism. Remember, it's not the government's money - it's yours. And it's not the government's power, it's the people's. Let's make the late Milton Friedman proud and embrace free enterprise and freedom to support your own beliefs.

Troy, College Station, TX

"You use your religious beliefs to prevent my tax dollars from funding embryonic stem cell research."

You may spend your money on any research you wish. But in a democracy, everyone may be for or against funding of a particular nature.

Besides, how many cures have their been produced by tax dollars? It is usually the private sector that produces cures.

Danny, Dallas, TX

As the Bible says "all good things come from God". And all of the cures are coming from cells that do not have to be killed or harmed in any way. Those who are in favor of embryonic stem cell research take great pains to blur the lines between the various cells that are used. They can never come out say what a miracle it is using adult, bone marrow or cord blood cells. There is a boy that was cured of Diabetes in New Jersey using umbilical cord blood cells, but it is never mentioned in our two major New Jersey newspapers.
They are only interested in embryonic stem cell research. If it doesn't destroy embryos, they couldn't care less. And who do you think is behind all of this, in case you don't know, it is the ruler of this world, the Devil himself, who seeks to destroy life before it even begins. And do we back those who work with him, his fellow workers in evil, in our own government?

Victor, Bloomfield, NJ USA

Every one of the 70+ stem cell breakthroughs that have produced treatments to date have resulted from adult stem cell technology. Adult stem cells have for years shown themselves to be pleuripotent (able to mature into most any cell type), ubiquitous (everyone has them), histocompatible (unlikely to be rejected as they come from their original owners), naturally migrate to damaged tissue and naturally stop growing when appropriate rather than producing cancerous growth. Private industry and investors have been free to place their billions wherever they saw fit for decades. The science, profit, and ethics have sided with adult stem cells over embryonic. The push for government funding of ESC research and sham arguments of anti-religious bigotry are smoke screens diverting attention and potential funding from where merit lies -- adult stem cell technologies and the other alternatives to embryonic stem cell research.

Andre Van Mol, MD, Redding, CA

"Of course there aren't embryonic stem cell treatments if the research isn't funded. .." This is not the argument. The argument is weather it be funded by GOV'T funding. If the private sector won't fund it (embryonic)because it sees no potential revenue from it, why should the gov't fund it? It's political. Hello....the private sector, you know the efficient use of funds type, won't bother but the beaurocratic types, are crying for gov't funding. Go figure. the truth is, adult stem cell progress is working great. You want to use some embryonic one's, liberal, pay for it with soro's money!

copter, san diego, CA

ESC that are derived from zygotes for which no further use
is planned have great potential. Better tested than flushed.
These different approaches should be symbiotic, not
in conflict with one another. Adult, embryonic, cord blood,
they all hold potential. results are what will count.

Jim, Memphis, TN

All the advances with stem cells have been seen with adult stem cells. In my opinion, as a double board certified physician, adult stem cells show more promise. These cells have already transformed ( process from stem to adult cell), something just went wrong afterwards. The key lies in regenerating the "bad" cells with adult stem cells, then finding the trigger for what made them stop functioning properly. Regarding Diabetes Mellitus, there was an interesting article in Cell in Dec, 2006 where rats were successfully cured of DM following an injection of capsaicin, the substance in hot peppers, into the region of the pancreas responsible for insulin production. It is thought that an inflammatory response trigerred the shutdown, and the capsaicin reversed this. Embryonic stem cells sound wonderful to some, but remember that these celles have never fully transformed, and you do not know if the cells will be normal or highly anaplastic; you do know, however, with adult stem cells.

Greg, Phoenix,

Embryonic stem cell research is going on privately with no positive results. Adult stem cells are showing positive results. Using one's own stem cells such as described in this article are also showing great results and not just in diabetes.

To Bruce in Kentucky who is so eager to use taxpayer dollars to destroy embryos, why don't you contact your senators and congressmen and have them add a box on your tax statement so you can donate your dollars to the cause or do a little research of your own and donate privately?!

Cathy Pope, San Jose, USA/California

These letters effectively prove that Americans can read. I never doubted it.

britsattheirbest.com wrote, "Scientists at the UK's Kingston University are using microgravity technology developed by NASA to multiply stem cells from umbilical blood in large enough quantities to be used to regenerate human tissue. The primitive stem cells in the umbilical cord blood resemble those from human embryos, but there are no ethical concerns about their use. They are called 'cord-blood-derived embryonic-like stem cells' or CBEs."

David Abbott, MD, MRCP, Shawford, Hants, UK

While it is true in this case that the stem cells came from the patients own body, this is not usually possible. Few stem cells exist in the human body. Also,getting these cells can be a dangerous and painful experience. To cure leukemia, one would need to collect cells from inside a patients hip bone and hope to find stem cells. Those cells would also have to not already be cancerous, which isn't likely. It would be different if you could use adult stem cells from skin, for instance, to treat non-skin ailments. But that's not possible. These cells are already too specialized.

On the other hand, embryonic stem cells can become whatever you need them to be: a heart, a liver, whatever. This kind of research holds the promise to cure countless diseases. Imagine needing a liver transplant and being able to order one online that has been grown in a dish from some sperm and a woman's egg. Such building blocks die everyday from natural causes. Why not use them to cure disease?

Robert Burton, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

If you read the article you see that these favorable results were brought on by stem cells from their own blood. There were no embryos involved and if myself or anyone else believes that harvesting human life for hope of some cures that we are obtaining through other means is wrong, there is nothing wrong with using my vote to prevent my tax dollars from being spent on it. Private industry would fund embryonic stem-cell research if it was half as promising as cord blood or bone marrow stem cells.

John, Vilseck, DE

"But research using the most versatile kind of stem cells — those acquired from human embryos — is currently opposed by powerful critics, including President Bush."

This line was obviously added by the left-leaning non-scientific editor! Embryonic stem cells have resulted in - LISTEN UP HERE - exactly ZERO effective treatments.

Forget pro-choice versus pro-life: embryonic stem cells are BAD SCIENCE.

Parochus, Paroecia,

Wonderful news, and it has NOTHING to do with using embryonic stem cells, as the reporter himself writes, "After stem cells had been harvested from their blood, . . .They were then given transfusions of their own stem cells to help rebuild their immune systems."

One could wish writers about science educated themselves a little more Embryonic stem cells have been used to try to treat Parkinson's patients with disastrous results. It is almost as if we were not meant to touch a cell that could become a child. . .Theologically it is wrong, and scientists have grown increasingly leery because it doesn't work.

Catherine Glass, Portland, Oregon USA

Rack up another stunning cure for adult stem cell (ASC) researchers! Hooray! This is one more in a long parade of ASC victories (by the score). An exciting time in what is becoming a fertile, amazing field.

Sadly, in the long meanwhile, the embryonic stem cell (ESC) researchers have yet to birth a single cure! Planetwide. Tons of mammalian and human ESC research, using boatloads of middle class tax money. But, nothing so far. Barren!

R. Fink, Ocean Springs, USA

Being a Type 1 Diabetic, I am very pleased to hear this new. As far as the controversial subject of where these stem cells are coming from I couldn't care less.

Sheldon, Calgary, Canada

Oh, and the Japanese have recently declared they have found the cure for Alzheimer's Disease, using stem cells from and individual's own bone marrow. Google it. That is not embryonic either!

K. Scott, Santa Ana,, CA, USA

You use your religious beliefs to prevent my tax dollars from funding embryonic stem cell research. Only adult stem cell research is funded, so only adult stem cell cures are produced. Then, you use the success of some adult stem cell research to deny the value of embryonic stem cells? What kind of twisted circular logic is that? Of course there aren't embryonic stem cell treatments if the research isn't funded.

The experts in this field say that embryonic stem cells are most capable of being used to create replacement cells to cure disease, and I am instead expected to believe people with a faith based approach who claim otherwise? I'll go with the scientists and experts.

Bruce Layne, Lexington, Kentucky USA

I have type 2 and am sooooooo happy that this type of research is going on. There are similar successful treatment studies going on in Canada with similar results attacking the immune system. The thought is that the body just turns on itself and inflammation just starts to go out of control.. Anyway it's good news.

Scott, OP, KS

For a diabetic like me, the issue is that this maybe something that could benefit me for life and increase my chances to see my grandkids! Let’s talk about what are the next steps to help people with this disease versus debating the clarity of the author in his discussion of the stem cells. The point is, this is good news for people like me!

Steven, Chicago, IL

My brother has suffered from Type I diabetes for 23 years. The adult stem cell treatment described in this article seems to treat diabetes soon after it's diagnosed, when there are still beta cells. An embryonic stem cell treatment is MUCH more likely to grow new beta cells for the millions of diabetics who have none, but you deny these people a cure, forcing your idea of morality on everyone else,

In a fair world, opponents of embryonic stem cell research should not receive any eventual treatments derived from embryonic stem cells. But you'll be the first in line, and when you benefit, you'll thank God for your miraculous cure.

Bruce Layne, Lexington, Kentucky USA

It has been heartbreaking to watch my grandson deal with Type I since age 7. Now, at age 17 his illness has progressed to the point that he has been hospitalized 4 times in intensive care since Thanksgiving. It is hard to make the average person understand that insulin is NOT a medication but a LIFE SUPPORT system to these children. I only hope and pray this new breakthrough will give all these children a chance at a normal life. I have a problem with those who feel a cluster of embryonic cells has more right to life that those of living children who might never have the chance to grow up......................

jackie, Bullhead City, AZ

This would actually be the opposite of social darwinism. This helps the weak. The strong don't need insulin to begin with.

bob, ny, ny

The sweetest 5 letter word, A-D-U-L-T.

Woody Cox, Buna, USA/TX

Oh yea, don't use embroys that are left over from IVF because the parents(owners) of these frozen embryos might want to destroy them themselves! That's right. They can destroy them but you don't have the courage to STOP IVF procedures from producing these frozen cell masses in the first place. Your selfishness to produce a child when maybe you weren't supposed to have kids only trumps your ignorance of what to do if IVF is successful. Yes couples DO DESTROY them everyday but please don't use them for science. Unless of course, you child develops MS or diabetes or Batens disease...then you will change your mind!!

Lewis Reber, Newport Beach, Ca

Why are these folks so hell bent on destroying embryos, when the only success has come from other sources?

RJC, Asheville, NC

Private companies can stem cell all they want. the only prohibition is government funding of research. Of course you would equate the two as the government owns and does everything for you in jolly old england. We don't have such limitations here.

jim lagnese, waukee, IA

Yo: READ the article!! These people were NOT treated with fetal stem cells. This proves what those of us who are pro-life have been saying all along: you do NOT have to murder human beings in order to help human beings.

SWH, Grand Junction, Colorado, USA

This article and the comments generated highlight the blurring of issues. There is absolutely nothing wrong with stem cell reseach, and the government should be encouraging such research. In case you missed the "fine print", the stem cells used in this case came from the patients' own body! What is immoral and reprehensable, however, is embryonic stem cell research. Taking human life, even at the very beginning stage, in the hopes of saving other human life can never be justified. Those who advocate the use of embryonic stem cell research are nothing more than modern day Nazi Germans who thought it was perfectly fine to experiment on Jews. And yes, I would rather die and face my God now, than take another human life simply to prolong my life and face my God at a later date to try and explain why I advocated the taking of human life.

RFF, Grand Forks, USA

The author says, "the most versatile kind of stem cells — those acquired from human embryos..." This is perhaps true in theory, but in practice they haven't been good for anything because of rejection issues, and on the flip side researchers are finding ways to make adult stem cells more versatile. Rather than fund embryonic stem cell research, fund efforts such as the one reported here!

Matt, W Melbourne, FL, USA

Can you people not read? The stems cells were NOT embryonic. No one is opposed to this treatment (adult stem cells, cord blood stems). There have been over 80 successful treatments from these sources....and not a single success from embryonic stem cells. This is a political red herring.

DC, Indianapolis,

None of this treatment has to do with embryonic stem cell use. Only adult stem cells were used. ESC research is just a boondoggle for scientists because the market will not support a path to failure.

J Jirgal, Carmel, USA

Yes, let us celebrate Man -made miracles that result in death for the weak and extended life for the strong. And let us call it "progress" or "compassion" not Social Darwinism. That name scares off the rubes.

Kevin, Westfield, NJ/USA

What they also don't point out is that every success using stem cells so far has been from cells that were not taken from human embryos, and that includes this story regarding diabeties. I thnk that successes like this demonstrate quite clearly that the cures we seek to achieve can be reached without compromising the sanctity of human life. I never understood the reaction of some who get edgy the moment an embryo is treated with more respect than a virus...

Robert Rivers, New York, NY

There is no controversy with adult stem cells. And this article does not specificly state that it was adult stem cells, but you can infer that from the line about
"drawn from their own blood."

And there are no restriction on private research, only federal funding of embryonic stem cells.

dan, philly, usa

This is a moot argument.

If you read the second paragraph you see that this therapy was using stem cells drawn from the patient's own blood...so called "adult stem cells" as opposed to embryonic stem cells.

In fact, right now adult stem cell therapy have shown more promise and produced more actual results than embryonic stem cells. It's just that the issue has become so politicized. Plus, articles like this one unfortunately tend to further politicize the issue by not really explaining the two different types of stem cells available and the relative efficacy.

CD, San Diego, CA

The article failed to mention that it was adult stem cells, not the controversial embryonic stem cells. I presume this fact was filtered out so that the "Bash Bush" template could be preserved.

TG, Saint Louis, MO, USA

Kudos MCD!

Did anyone else notice that this article clearly states the stem cells that proved successful were harvested from the patients' own blood and NOT from embryos? It's my understanding that embryonic stem cells have proven to be the least promising and in some cases very detrimental (ie. causing malignant tumors at the site of the injection).

How about we spend our time and money researching useful sources of stem cells like those found in placentas and in cord blood. Oh wait, that won't provide us with a good excuse to justify aborting our babies.

Nikki F, Florida, USA

They didn't use embryonic stem cells. The only stem cells the used were adult stem cells, from the patients body.

Didn't you guys read the article?

JOELIEN, san angelo, TEXAS

Well, Summers, I think you've met a few ultra-conservative, strange-ish Christians if you think we're all that way! Of course we don't want to take an unnecessary risk if a bit of time could prove it more safe. Who wants to gamble with their life when they're surviving and thriving?

As a God fearing Christian with a same believing cousin who is type 1 diabetic, we are rather excited to hear about the breakthrough! Certainly we trust God to sustain life and cure disease, but I think I speak for both of us when we say God gives humans the ability to find cures for these things.

This will be a rather miraculous breakthrough if it proves to work long term and all that, and we'll praise God for it. A cure from God through man! And judging from things she's said in the past, I do believe she would go for this sort of thing.

Jane, Canterbury, Kent

I believe if you read the article again, you will see that this procedure has no relation to using embryonic stem cells. The embryonic stem cell research is the one that is controversial. This procedure harvests the patient's OWN stem cell. I have a friend who is having her cancer treated in this manner right now. I had never heard of such a procedure until I found out about her cancer treatment.

JDP, Los Angeles, CA

The article is clear that the stem cells are not "embryonic stem cells. They are the patent’s own stem cells. So far the so-called "embryonic stem cell" research has produced no proven medical benefits. While this breakthrough is another victory in a long line of adult stem cell benefits that have been found. If you do a little research you can learn far more than the media is willing to tell you.

Gerd, leavenworth, KS

WOW !!! Using Stem Cells harvested from living diabetic ADULTS these same living diabetic ADULTS were treated with their own ADULT stem cells.

Fascinating what can be done with ADULT stem cells. You did read the story carefully, _ADULT_ stem cells were used.

(1) "transfusions of stem cells drawn from THEIR OWN BLOOD"
(2) "insulin-dependent diabetics can be freed from reliance on needles by an injection of THEIR OWN STEM CELLS"

Did you catch how all this non-USA research used ADULT stem cells.

Louis, Ringworld, CA

Bush was the first us president to allow federal money to be used for stem cell research. No viable medical treatment has ever come from embrionic stem cells. In fact they usually cause the patient to develop other diseases... look it up.

bill, winchendon, MA - USA

Note these were stems cells from their own blood, not embryo stem cells. All "cures" have come from adult stem cells. No federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, use adult, pancreatic or own blood stem cells, don't destroy life.

Lynda, Long Island, NY

Adult stem cells have found cures or treatment for over 70 different illness' embryonic stem cells have found none. Why waste time, money and effort on something that shows no promise? unless you have a narrow closed mind and refuse to face facts. Like these results are from their own stem cells. Also no one has ever said no research just limited Federal funding, I wont get my tax dollars back but a pharma company will make a mint. let them pay for the research.

Jim, Kenosha, wi/US

It is a shame Bush uses a religious mythology to justify letting people die unnecessarily. We are truly living in a dark age.

John Friso, San Diego, California,

Again, this is another scientific breakthrough using ADULT STEM CELLS; ''transfusions of stem cells drawn from their own blood'' and not embryonic stems cells (harvested eggs from the womb).

There are no restrictions on research of either form. There are only restrictions for U.S. federal funding on embryonic stem cells. Private businesses and individual states can spend all the money they wish to venture. Business are betting on adult stem cells.

To date there are between 50-100 useful treatments using adult stem cells to none for embryonic. Some of the trials using embryonic stems cells (Parkinson's) have been disastrous.

JBL, Atlanta GA, USA

Chalk up another breakthrough for ADULT stem cells. Virtually every major breakthrough has been via adult stem cells raher than embryonic.

G stefan, Dallas , Texas USA

It needs to be emphasized that this study did NOT involve embryonic stem cells. It used adult stem cells, about which there is no moral controversy.

Eric Chevlen, Youngstown, OH

I notice that the breakthrough is the result of using the patients own stem cells. You don't seem to dwell on that point enough. You should mention that this is yet another achievement using stem cells NOT of the embryonic type. You should also have mentioned that private money is not onboard with embryonic stem cell research for a very important reason. Nothing has been shown to prove embryonic worthiness as of yet. The bottom line is as always who gets the money for research. In the U.S, states fund their own research. Yes, it is legal to do stem cell research, just that embryonic stem cell research will not be funded by the government. Michael J. Fox didn't even know that and he was pleading for stem cell research without that knowledge.

RAM, FAIRVIEW, USA

Shame on the author for confusing the issue. This treatment has nothing to do with embryonic stem cells, yet he adds that one paragraph which only serves to cloud the issue. Just to make it clear, this therapy uses *the patient's own (adult) stem cells*.

jrt, Ames, IA

What a wonderful story of adult stem cell treatment yet the reporter takes cheap shot at President Bush on a tangent story. Could it be the reporter does not understand this story is indeed about adult and not embroy stem cell research?

damolces, Tequesta, USA/FL

What they fail to openly mention in this article (which they quietly mention in US news sources) is that this cure came through the result of ADULT stem-cell implantation in the patient. They did however mention that the stem-cells came from the patient. This isn't exactly sufficient, however, because one could claim your "own" stem cells to be of an embryo that person created. The reason EMBRYONIC stem-cells are so controversial is because an embryo, which many consider to be a human being, must be created and then destroyed in the process of harvesting its stem-cells. Without any funding from the US government, adult stem-cells, which are not as controversial or entrenched in the human life debate, have providing more hope in producing cures for certain diseases. Even with the 2001 funding of stem-cell lines from destroyed embryos, embryonic stem cells have been much less successful in definitively curing disease.

Joseph K., Philadelphia, USA/PA

These were NOT embryonic stem cells.

DJL, Detroit, MI

This article mistates Bush's position by saying he's opposed to embryonic stem cell research when he is, in fact, merely opposed to federal funding of research that would destroy any new embryos. More importantly, that mention of Bush is completely irrelevant because this wonderful news has NOTHING to do with embryonic stem cells. It is, in fact, a vindication of Bush's policy, as it demonstrates that you don't need embryonic stem cells to have significant medical breakthroughs. I cannot help but wonder why the author would mischaracterize Bush's position and skew the discussion of stem cell research. Is it laziness or bias?

SCP, Binghamton, NY, USA

Amen to MCD. Besides, the only successes in stem cell research has come from ADULT stem cells, the stem cells taken directly from the individual. Embryonic stem cell research has only produced disasters. If you want my bet, I think the stem cells, in order to be workable, must have the same genetic and dna structure as the individual (and maybe some aspects science still does not know of) and I think this will be proven to be the situation. I don't think embryonic stem cells will EVER produce the results humans dream of. I will put money on it. And as to Bush, he has really gotten a bum rap on this, when he is the only president who has done anything to further stem cell research to any significance. But then, liberals are always the last to know everything. Funny, isn't it, when they claim to be the highly educated ones? LOL

Amber, Hancock, MD

Did you read the article? These people were injected with stem cells from their own body... no embryonic stem cells involved meaning this is an uncontroversial treatment. Thus it was also unnecessary to even mention a controversy in this article since there is none. If anything it could be used to support the idea that harvesting human embryos is unecessary.

Sean O., Laguna Niguel, California

I have to agree with some of my fellow bloggers how could you even try to pass off the embroyonic stem cells when study after study shows that every time they have been used cancer ensues?!
Get honest and quit trying to pull a Michael Moore trick on the readers for Heaven SAKE we are capable of researching this issue and reading between the lines.
This is not the first time either that a cure was found for diabetics this has happened before and the story posted in Reader's Digest Magazine a few years back. So why act like they don't have the cure and this is some new glorious event?

Andrea, St. Augustine, USA FL

The stem cells use to reverse the diabeties were taken from the patients blood. The controversey in the US involves embryotic stem cells. While you call these the most versatile kind of stem cells, they were not the ones used in this study. Why the mention of them and President Bush's opposition to their use? Clearly, you can't pass up taking cheap shots at our President.

FR, Oakland, NJ

The debate about the use of stem cells is in the use of "Embryonic" stem cells, not Adult Stem Cells. These great study results were in fact acheived with Adult Stem cells, since they were harvested from adolescents and adults, not embryos. This is so often taken by the media as the previous poster said...to slam Bush. Bush is against Emryonic Stem Cell use - his name should not have even been brought up in this article.

R. Nichols, Cinnaminson, NJ USA

This is only a potential cure for those RECENTLY diagnosed. Those living with TYPE I have no beta cells. They are out of luck with this technique.

1SG, Scranton, PA,

This is a treatment with ADULT stem cells, not embryonic. No one opposes adult stem cell research. It's the creation of human embryos to experiment on that's opposed. Nice how they clarified that in the article. Embryonic stem cells have a tendency to grow uncontrollably, causing all sorts of nasty problems. Adult stem cells have been used in actual treatments - which is why no one is screaming for more R&D money for adult stem cell research. They can actually get capital on the market because they actually work.

BV, Fredericksburg, VA

What in the world does Bush's opposition to embryonic stem-cell research have to do with a) this story in which you report that the patients' own stem cells are used, and b) the United Kingdom? Bush supports every other kind of stem cell research, and, if anything and if his view is even pertinent (which it isn't for this story), then you should have perhaps reported (although I wouldn't consider it part of the story) that his view is vindicated: that stem cell research other than embryonic is proving successful; in fact, embryonic stem cell research has yet to make even the smallest progress in treatment vis-a-vis the salvific claims suggested by its proponents.

John Pfannenstiel, Pittsburgh, PA USA

Anyone with reading comprehension skills will see that the breakthrough was due to adult stem cell research, not embryonic. The results were from the patients using their own stem cells, as stated in the second paragraph. This breakthrough was a result of medical research using stem cells where no form of life was exterminated. The subtle attempt to disguise this fact, and point toward embryonic stem cell research as the genesis of this breakthrough exposes the typical media bias and their constant game of hide the weenie as it relates to embryonic stem cell research. Not one breakthrough has occured due to embryonic stem cell research. Adult stem cell research is a different matter.

TAH, Rochester, NY

At last hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

j, omaha, usa/ne

What the reporter is failing to explain or is deliberately obfuscating is that these stem cells were not "embryonic" stem cells, but were in fact adult stem cells. Adult stem cells have been used successfully to treat a multitude of diseases. The obligatory swipe at Bush by this reporter(and every other reporter filing a story about stem cells) not only isn't warranted, it creates confusion in the minds of readers who assume that the only thing holding back these cures is narrow mindedness by the religious right and their army in the White House. It is important to note that to date nothing has been cured by embryonic stem cells, notwithstanding the millions of dollars being allocated globally to study these cells. Conversely, as the story above demonstrates, researchers are close to a cure for type 1 diabetes, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's, lupus, heart disease, wound healing and multiple sclerosis to name a few. Please understand the science before ranting on Bush.

Michael K, Boca Raton, FL

These stem cells were drawn from the patient's own blood. Yet another sucess of stem cell research without having to destroy human embryos. Additionally, the Bush administration is trying to make embryonic stem cell research illegal, which you seem to try to imply - it is the funding of the research with federal finds. Keep your obvious bias out of it.

John Clark, Seattle, WA, USA

Let's see: stem cells from the patients' own blood cures their diabetes. This means we should harvest embryonic stem cells? OK, let's do this again: stem cells from the patients' own blood cures their diabetes. This means we need cells from embryos? One more time: stem cells from the patient's OWN BLOOD cures their diabetes...

Mary, woodstock, GA, USA

I've noticed that adult stem cells weren't (conveniently) mentioned in this article; that type of stem cells are more useful than embryonic.

Marie H, Midway Park, NC, US

I find it fascinating how all the successes with stem cells so far have involved non-embryonic stem cells while the therapies attempted so far with embryonic stem cells have all had serious and unacceptable side effects. Nonetheless, every article which reports success doesn't lead with the fact that they are not embryonic - it's always buried somewhere in the article. Then the reporters chide us for not killing human life - embryos - even though they can't point to one genuine success story. Excuse me but your bias is showing.

Doug rife, Bakersfield, California

Funny, the report didn't say they used embryonic stem cells they used adult stem cells yet the author felt it necessary to throw in that useless argument.

Tom, NORTH AURORA, USA

The life enhancing stem cells were drawn from the patients OWN blood, NOT from embryonic cells. I've never read that President Bush opposes that sort of research in any way.

Throwing Bush's name into this article to imply that he would be opposed to this cure is insufferably sly. And mean-spirited to boot.

Cara Nurnber, Princeton Jct, NJ

This is great news. And chalk up another victory for adult stem cell treatments. Still ZERO effective treatments from embryonic stem cells.

Marc, State College, PA

You all realize, don't you, that these were not embryonic stem cells? These were stem cells taken from the patients' own blood. Chalk one more up for adult stem cells.

Greg Gilbert, Louisville, KY USA

F.S. apparently has a reading comprehension problem. The treatment here has absolutely nothing to do with embryonic stem cells. Those treatments are decades away. In the meantime, adult stem cells are providing real benefits.

SD, San Francisco,

Note that all the amazing stem-cell breakthroughs, so far, have been using Adult stem-cells. This, again, is another such case. The person mocking God needs to remember who created the stem cells and the amazing reproductive system. Man hasn't created any of these parts so far, nor programmed their remarkable growth characteristics.

Chris Kemberling, Tucson, AZ

Interesting that a Bush-Bashing comment was thrown in. Please note that in this study that stem-cells from embryos WERE NOT USED. The patients' own stem cells were used in this cure.

J Cooper, Orlando, FL, USA

Why so long? If it works, deploy it, at least to patients who volunteer.

Julian Morrison, Reading, UK

The debate over the use of embryonic stem cells will be rendered moot WHEN the use of amniotic stem cells is established(and it will be) as the premier hope for cures for diseases many have longed for. The only resistance to that will be from the proponents of the current stem cell debate who fear the drying up of research grants.

Glenn, Brooklyn, N.Y

There have been no successful treatments derived from embryonic stem cells, but hundreds of treatments derived from other types of stem cells. How does that make embryonic stem cells "more versatile"?

GWC, leroy, ohio/USA

The middle of the article takes a swipe at opponents of embryonic stem cell research - which to date has cured not a single disease but has resulted in embryonic cell-line cancers. The article, however, is about another success of adult stem cell research. The distinction should be underlined - especially in light of the not- so- subtle political statement made in the middle.

A.H. Myers, Solon, USA, OH

The stem cells were taken from the patients' own blood. There is no moral issue. We should give thanks to the God who created us and put them there. People who have faith in the living God do not live in the dark, distant past. They live in the light of His word and presence. It is those who live without Him who live in the dark.

Richard Ball, Toronto, Ontario Canada

It sounds to me like this is another case of "adult" (not embryonic) stem cells that are the cause of the cure. It's not right to ever take one human life to enhance another. Adult stem cell (not embryonic) research should continue as it seems to be the cell type showing all the 'cure' potential anyway.

BBM, Ajo, Arizona

Why was embryonic stem cells even brought up in the article? There has not been one single cure from embryonic stem cells!!! Adult stem cells or those from umbilical cord blood, which no one has an ethical dilemma with, have been shown clinically to help many diseases. If I were suffering from Diabetes or Heart Disease, I would be outraged at the lies from the press - the future is adult stem cells. When there have been actual cures, why isn't money being poured into this? Why isn't Mary Tyler Moore having a news conference about the expansion of this research and the funds needed? It is articles like the one above that confuses the general population. This has nothing to do with embryonic stem cells!! The stems cells are from the patients own blood!! This is exciting - this should be front page news - and the new media has an obligation to be truthful and specify that this has nothing to do with destroying embryos. No one is against this research!!

Sue, Milwaukee, WI

I read in this article that these stem cells did NOT come from embryos, but from the the patients themselves. Does this treatment method of using the patient's own stem cells cross over into other areas? If so, why do we even need to mess around with embryonic stem cells. Lets put our money where the success rate is...harvesting living cells from the patient and then treating them.

Mary Fuller, Angier, NC

Yes, it's quite extraordinary that the author inserts a dig at Bush over embryonic stem cells and tries to ignore one of the most interesting things about the story - that the children were helped by their own stem cells.

Paul Williams, Sydney,

Stem cells from living people score another victory. Stem cells from unborn babies still not viable enough for the big drug company's to invest in. Let the free market system work. There is no reason to pay researchers with tax dollars to do research that the company's that will benefit from said research are not willing to pay for themselves.

Ron Taylor, Magna, Utah uAS

I have a 45 year old sister facing blindness and possible amputation due to Type-1 Diabetes. She has been diagnosed and insulin dependent since age 12. She embraces Stem Cell Research AS LONG AS it does not involve the abortion, or early end of life of any human. Her Christianity comes before her mortality! If she can live longer through stem cell research not involving the death of a fetus, she will. Otherwise, we shall re-united in her heaven as a family soon enough. It is a matter of ethical and concious choice in her life.

We have ethical alternatives. It is time, as a people, to choose wisely.

Please, if you are so inclined, pray for my sister Tammy.

Todd , Ruidoso, NM

This article and the commentators are completely wrong in suggesting that there is a ban on funding this research.

The article clearly states that the process uses the diabetics OWN stem cells, and they are not taken from embryos. There is no ethical question about using your own stem cells, or stem cells taken from sources that do not destroy an embryo, such as cord blood or other sources.

There is no ban on funding of this kind of research, in fact it is fully funded in the US. Your prejudices are making you all blind to the reality that embryonic stem cells have resulted in NO therapies, while ethically acceptable sources continue to show huge breakthroughs.

Jessica, New York City , USA

Why don't you stick to the story -- the type of stem cells used were from the participants' own blood -- there were no embryonic stem cells included in this study (there are many types of stem cells -- umbilical cord stem cells are also being studied for their usefulness), but to insert the Bush-bashing in the middle of a story that is centered around blood stem cells is ridiculous. Why don't you explain the different types of stem cells, or just focus on the stem cells that pertain to this breakthrough. You're turning something positive into a negative just a few paragraphs into the story. C'mon.

D. McKenna, Oak Park, IL

Since there are dozens of cures based on adult stems cells already, and none from embryonic stem cells, you should rethink your assertion that embryonic stem cells are the "most versatile"

S. Taylor, Kensett, Iowa, USA

This will undoubtedly be used by some to bolster their claims that we shoudl harvest embryos for their stem cells. What they fail to notice is that this treatment used ADULT stem cells - extracted from the patients themselves - to perform the procedure.

This does not present an ethical issue for pro-life advocates. In fact, this is welcome news. If we can get the same results (or better) by using adult stem cells - that is, without harming human embryos - by all means, we need to go for it.

Justin S, Orlando, Florida

You say embryonic stem cells are the most versatile, but in research they have been found to be the most useless. The most promise lies with the adult stem cells, not the embryonic ones.

W. Lennon, Brooklyn, NY, USA

NOTICE that none of these people were cured by embryonic stem cells. There have been NO cures by this process. But, there have been many cures using adult stem cells. Why the push for the, so far, unworkable and unethical?

David, Atlanta, USA

Today brings news of yet another case where ADULT stem cells succeeded whereas the EMBRYONIC stem cells, though always "promising", have always failed. This article obfuscates the distinction. Research on ADULT stem cells has scores of proven success, while despite all the hype, EMBRYONIC stem cell research has never been proven successful in any treatment yet. If you think I am wrong, go investigate it. The pro-ESCR side is mere hype with no results, so they get very little funding from savvy venture capitalists, so they just squawk for more taxpayer money. Now you know the unreported truth.

Ed Holdgate, Sandown, USA / New Hampshire

This had nothing to do with embryonic stem cells, correct?

"The results show that insulin-dependent diabetics can be freed from reliance on needles by an injection of their own stem cells."

Indeed there have been NO positive results from any embryonic. All of the breakthroughs recognized at this time are from adult or umbilical (sp) cords.

Adrian Griffith, Catlett, VA, USA

There is a marked difference between harvesting and utilizing stem cells produced by the patient himself, as in the case of this breakthrough, and utilizing stem cells from destroyed embryos that are alien to the patient. Politics aside, the theoretical basis for this line of investigation is rational and apparently, effective. But it does absolutely nothing to further the debate on embryonic stem cell research.

IMCF, Carmel, USA/CA

This is a wonderful advancement and no one was harmed in the process.

Yes, the research was done by man who can no more create a stem cell ex- nihilo ( out of nothing ) than raise himself from the dead.

Was the Miracle totally man made??? You have a great amount of faith...yes, you do.

DRR, Chicago, USA

I can't even read a positive story without you throwing in Bush.
Actually, he authorized Federal funding several years ago for 60 cell lines that existed and had been created from embryos already destroyed. Harvesting embryos for the purpose of stem cell research is controversial, but you don't mention your EU partners who have problems with it, just Bush. Also, States can fund their own research (though they're always short of money) which I think California is doing.

MCD, Elmhurst, USA