Updated September 03, 2013.
There were many new exciting developments in diabetes research 2010, but here are arguably some of the most important of the year for those with type 1 diabetes.
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1. ADA Revises Diabetes Guidelines
The American Diabetes Association published new clinical practice recommendations in late 2009 and it became one of the most-read articles on this site in 2010. The guidelines promote the use of the hemoglobin A1c (A1c) as a faster, easier diagnostic test and new recommendations for self-management of type 1 diabetes.
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2. Innovative Insulin Patch-Pen Gets FDA Approval
The patch-pen is a small plastic device that is designed to be worn on the skin like a bandage and dispenses rapid acting-insulin for up to three days and needs no batteries, electronics or infusion sets. It holds up to 200 units of insulin and is used as a bolus-only device.?More »
3. Surgeons Create Artificial Pancreatic Tissue for Islet Cell Transplants
One of the problems associated with islet cell transplants has been the length of time the cells survive in the body after transplant. Researchers have developed a cellular structure that mimics the environment of the pancreas that helps preserve islet cells -- allowing them to survive significantly longer while also producing much more insulin.More »
4. Implanted Blood Glucose Sensor May Eventually Replace Finger Sticks
Researchers have developed an implantable glucose sensor that has the ability to continuously monitor glucose for over a year without removal or maintenance. The encapsulated device showed no rejection by surrounding tissue for more than 500 days.More »
5. Diabetes Is Now Insurable in New High-Risk Insurance Plans
As of July 1 of 2010, if you have diabetes and do not have insurance, you are able to enroll in a temporary high-risk insurance pool. This is one of the first provisions to go into effect from the recent health care reform law.More »
6. Tattoos That Monitor Glucose
Tattoos are no longer only body art. Scientists are developing a semi-permanent medical tattoo that would give you reliable blood sugar readings and eliminate painful finger sticks.More »
7. World’s Smallest Pen Needle Makes Insulin Injections Less Painful
Injecting insulin just got a little easier with the introduction of the world's smallest pen needle. The needle is only 4 mm in height by 32 gauge, which makes it the thinnest and shortest needle on the market.More »
8. Implanted Cell Pouch May Eventually Be an Alternative to Insulin Injections
Researchers have developed a device that functions as an organ-like structure that is implanted under the skin. The pouch would contain insulin-producing islet cells that are protected from the body's natural immunity response while at the same time being able to deliver insulin to the body.More »
9. Diabetes Vaccine Expected to Be Available Within a Few Years
A vaccine that would arrest or slow the autoimmune response that destroys insulin-producing cells may soon be a reality. The Diamyd vaccine, now entering a Phase III clinical trial in both the U.S. and Europe, has shown very promising results in both Phase I and II clinical trials.More »
10. Artificial Pancreas Research Takes Huge Step Forward
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is partnering with Animas Corporation to develop the first-generation artificial pancreas over the next four years. This is exciting news because it could become the prototype of a fully automated diabetes management system that completely self-regulates the flow of insulin, much like a healthy pancreas.More »