But because of the ethical and political debate concerning embryonic stem cells this pathway to a cure is moving slowly. Type-1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of Beta islet cells in the pancreas which secretes insulin.

Type 2-diabetes can be managed with medication and/or lifestyle changes. Advances in the Treatment of Diabetes Advances in the treatment of diabetes are currently being researched all over the world. But currently there is no cure that has been accepted by the medical communities for either Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes.

People who believe that life starts at conception strongly oppose embryonic stem cell research because the cells come from human embryos which are destroyed in the process.. People with Type-1 diabetes need to be on insulin for the rest of their lives. Insulin metabolizes sugar in the blood system into energy that can be absorbed and used by the cells. Currently research is being conducted using controversial embryonic stem cells as well as stem cells taken from adults.

Type-2 diabetes is caused by the destruction of insulin receptors on cell surfaces which causes the cells to be resistant to insulin.