Stem cells may finally offer a cure for Type 1 diabetes

There are over 500 million people with diabetes. The number is growing.

The immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin when people have Type 1 diabetes. The cells regulate the blood sugar levels in the body. Type 1 diabetics need to injectinsulin for the rest of their lives because their blood sugar will continue to rise without it.

Stem cell research and therapies have improved over the past 20 years, which could lead to the cure of Type 1 diabetes.

17 people with Type 1 diabetes will be treated with stem cells derived from them in a clinical trial. Brian Shelton had positive results in the trial. Shelton was able to reduce the amount ofinsulin he injects after 150 days.

ViaCyte, a company that works to cure diabetes, is one of the global companies working to do so.

Stem cell therapy has changed Shelton's life and other diabetes cures are being developed.