A natural process is much easier and safer than genetic manipulation therapies, explains Rakeman.

"This paper opens up real promise of reprogramming as a therapeutic approach," he says. "The hope is to devise a therapy that would mimic [natural alpha reprogramming]." The question now remains how the alpha cells are able to reprogram themselves, thus regenerating the beta-cells.


"We need to figure out mechanisms of regulation and find ways to induce [regeneration] through a pharmacological approach," Rakeman says.

While these findings are very early in terms of finding a cure for diabetes, they are promising. They are promising for both type 1 diabetes, which occurs when a person is born with the inability to produce insulin and depends on an outside source of insulin, and these findings could mean a cure for type 2 diabetes as well.

Type 2 diabetes is a result of the body becoming resistant to insulin or when the pancreas stops producing it. The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to inactivity and weight.

Rakeman says that while the causes are different, the end stage -- lacking beta cells -- is the same, and thus could be treated with this regeneration.

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