According to recent research, we're not entirely sure how many diseases the label 'diabetes' covers. But no matter what causes our bodies to struggle with their blood sugar levels, it's a serious condition that requires daily care. Scientists have been working hard to find cures, new treatments, and better management techniques for the millions of people worldwide dealing with diabetes.

Here are some of the latest developments you need to know about:

Insulin producing implants made from stem cells: Clinical trials began last year for testing with a credit-card sized implant containing insulin-producing cells derived from stem cells. Previous research had shown the implants could mature and function inside patients. Together with a cohort of volunteers who started testing in January, the new research should tell us soon whether technology can help people with type-1 diabetes.

A common blood pressure medication: A drug on the World Health Organisation's list of essential drugs could have another purpose; blocking a molecule implemented in the autoimmune response that can give rise to type-1 diabetes. Called methyldopa, the compound already has an important job treating high blood pressure in pregnant
women and children. It's already being used - rather than being stuck in the lab - makes for a promising find.

An extreme diet: A clinical trial conducted on just 298 volunteers in the UK last year found an intensive weight management program could put type-2 diabetes into remission for those who lose a significant amount of weight. The subjects were limited to roughly 850 calories a day for three to five months, consuming mostly soups and health shakes, before having more food introduced. A similar study conducted on rats last year in the US also showed low-calorie diets might help those who can stick to it reverse their condition.

Loneliness could make us prone: While we can list a variety of genetic and lifestyle factors that affect a body's growing resistance to insulin, there's still a lot to learn. A study published late last year involving nearly 3,000 subjects aged 40 to 75 found there seems to be a significant relationship between social isolation and type-2 diabetes. It's not clear what the link might be, but having a few housemates or a local social group could make all the difference.

Contact Gansbaai Pharmacy to find out more.