Can diabetes be cured within 20 years?

Is it possible that a disease affecting millions worldwide could be cured in the next couple of decades?

One of Britain's most respected diabetes experts, Dr. Nick Oliver, says he's hopeful that the condition could be treatable soon.

"There is a race on, that’s why what we are doing is incredibly exciting," Oliver told UK publication Express.

The artificial pancreas

Oliver's team created the world's first artificial pancreas, which is currently involved in human trials. The "BiAP" (Bio-Inspired Artificial Pancreas) attaches to the abdomen through a thin tube, reading sugar levels and reporting information to an insulin pump that automatically releases the hormone when necessary.

"Diabetes can’t be cured at the moment," Oliver said. "The race is on to get effective treatments for people. Their quality of life is important."

More research

Another researcher at De Monfort University in Leicester has created an artificial pancreas that can be inserted into the body. Trials using this device will begin in 2016, Express reports.

"We hope the technology will be the next best thing to a cure for the 400,000 people in the UK with type 1 diabetes," one researcher noted.

Surrey resident Jess Bristow has been involved in Oliver's artificial pancreas trial and says her life is "100 times better" since using the device.

Nearly 4 million people in the UK suffer from diabetes.

"There are lots of avenues that will lead to ­potential cures for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and if I could see it in my career that would be incredibly exciting," Oliver said.

Source: Express UK

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