Possible Cure on the Horizon for Type 1 Diabetes

Nat Strand wasn't about to let type 1 diabetes stop her from being adventurous, pursuing her goals, and traveling the world. So when she got the chance to participate in the popular TV show The Amazing Race, she jumped…literally. Bungee jumping from a crane 150-feet high was one of dozens of challenges she faced during the 32,000-mile race to the finish line for $1 million.

If you have type 1 diabetes like Nat, your pancreas doesn't produce insulin. Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to extremes in blood sugar levels, damage circulation, cause high blood pressure, and increase the risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. It's even a leading cause of lower-limb amputations. That's why medication, insulin shots, or an insulin pump, and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels is so important if you have diabetes.

Now another tool to combat diabetes is on the horizon. British researchers at the Institute of Transplantation and Immunology spent six years researching the cause of type 1 diabetes and possible cures. They were able to identify specific cells that prevent the pancreas from making insulin. When these cells are activated, it initiates a chain reaction in the body that damages the pancreas and its ability to produce insulin.

With a better understanding of how type 1 diabetes occurs, researchers are now trying to identify why some people develop type 1 diabetes and others don't. While there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, it's a step in the right direction to find a cure.

Nat is a great example of how you can be healthy and active, even if you have type 1 diabetes. Her insulin pump, along with testing blood sugar levels 6 to 8 times a day, and a healthy diet, helped her compete in The Amazing Race, and enjoy everyday life.

If you have type 1 diabetes, getting the right amount of insulin and monitoring your blood sugar level is important for your health. Your diet is also just as important, and we've made it easy to eat healthy even if you have diabetes. Just go to MagicKitchen.com, you'll find a great selection of Diabetic-Friendly Meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.