[neverdem]

Not sure I agree. T1 cause is autoimmune killing off the islet cells. Even if patient's own adult stem cells are used, after conversion to islet cells they would also be susceptible to a new autoimmune attack without continued immunosuppressant use.

So until the autoimmune issue is resolved, you have to decide whether to remain dependent on exogenous insulin or take the risks involved by compromising your immune system. I wouldn't take a transplant unless it was the last resort.

[struggle]

I thought they had already created a semi-permeable membrane that would encapsulate the new islet cells and allow glucose and insulin to flow back and forth while barring immune cells from entering.

[neverdem]

Immune cells chow down on living brain

FReepmail me if you want on or off my stem cell/regenerative medicine ping list.

Regenerative medicine has some serious problems with autoimmune diseases.

[Marie]

We need encapsulated islet cells.

Then we can use anything... human... pig... stem cells that have been altered to produce insulin...

ANYTHING. The immune response would be a moot point.