New Study Unveils Groundbreaking Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

Blocking somatostatin hormone to prevent harmful blood glucose dips in Type 1 diabetes could be a lifesaver, suggests a study. The research, conducted at the University of Gothenburg, explores restoring glucagon release by inhibiting somatostatin, offering new hope for diabetes management.

A novel approach to treating type 1 diabetes may involve blocking the somatostatin hormone to prevent dangerous blood glucose dips, a new study suggests. Conducted at the University of Gothenburg and published in Nature Metabolism, the research presents a game-changing strategy that could potentially save lives.

The study highlights how glucagon, a hormone crucial for raising blood glucose levels, is lacking in individuals with type 1 diabetes due to the overproduction of somatostatin, which inhibits glucagon release. This imbalance leads to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Professor Patrik Rorsman from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Oxford is one of the key researchers behind this groundbreaking discovery.

The research involved examining pancreatic cells from both humans and mice. Findings show that blocking somatostatin restored glucagon release in mice with type 1 diabetes, thus preventing dangerous blood sugar drops. Additionally, using optogenetics, researchers mapped the interaction between alpha, beta, and delta cells in the pancreas, providing insight into how the reduced function of beta cells in type 1 diabetes increases the risk of blood sugar drops. Co-author Anna Benrick emphasizes the potential of pharmacologically blocking somatostatin to prevent these life-threatening events.

(With inputs from agencies.)