She mentions an additional benefit to the Phase 1 trial. Besides validating that BCG has some effect on the bad T-cells that are killing insulin-producing beta cells, it validates that the various new blood tests that they have developed to track the bad T-cells.
She comments on the recent research showing that pancreatic cells can be transformed into islet cells. There's a lot covered in this 12-minute interview, it's worth listening to.
David Edelman's great video interview with Dr. Denise Faustman is now online. It's about 47 minutes long and well worth watching.
I was in the room when this interview took place - David and Elizabeth were generous enough to share this opportunity with me.
The interview provides a wonderful insight into Dr. Faustman's research and her thinking about a type 1 diabetes cure. They've also provided a transcript. (PDF)
If you'd like to support her research, it's not too late to support my triathlon for a cure. Or just go directly to the Mass General site and donate there.
The title of the interview is 'Living with (and paying for) diabetes'. When he was asked about what he's learned about the costs of living with this chronic disease, he answered
They're extensive. In some cases, some diabetics tell me the spend about $10,000 a year on this thing. You're talking about your blood glucose meter, you're talking about the test strips that are required for that (and I do as many as seven to 10 tests a day), but there are other things as well: you've got you're insulin, you've got your needles, you've got the lancets you need to poke your finger -- again 7 to 10 times a day -- and so you have a lot of fixed costs attached to a chronic disease.
He also talks about the $1 per strip cost. Maybe with his focus on publicizing the costs something may happen.
One of these days some company will wake up to the idea that they can provide accurate strips for $0.50 each and capture a big share of the market. I can't wait for that to happen.
The Diabetes Technology Blog is focused on using technology to live life to the full with diabetes. I review new diabetes technology including: blood glucose monitors; continuous glucose monitors; blood sugar meters; diabetes software and living with diabetes.
About Me
Name: Bernard Farrell
Location: Massachusetts, United States
I was born in Ireland and now live in the US.
I have had Type 1 diabetes for over 36 years. I struggle with my blood sugar, the same as most people with diabetes.
I wear a Cozmo 1800 insulin pump and a Dexcom SEVEN Plus CGM to track my blood glucose levels.
I'm blessed by God, and every day brings the possibility of a cure.
