In a discovery that has stunned even those behind it, scientists at a Toronto hospital say they have proof the body's nervous system helps trigger diabetes, opening the door to a potential near-cure of the disease that affects millions of Canadians.
Diabetic mice became healthy virtually overnight after researchers injected a substance to counteract the effect of malfunctioning pain neurons in the pancreas.
"'I couldn't believe it,'" said Dr. Michael Salter, a pain expert at the Hospital for Sick Children and one of the scientists. "'Mice with diabetes suddenly didn't have diabetes any more.'"
The article indicates:
The ":paradigm-changing" study opens '"a novel, exciting door to address one of the diseases with large societal impact," said Dr. Christian Stohler, a leading U.S. pain specialist and dean of dentistry at the University of Maryland, who has reviewed the work.
"'The treatment and diagnosis of neuropathic diseases is poised to take a dramatic leap forward because of the impressive research.'"
Cheers,
Bob-C