Artificial skin grafts can prevent diabetes in humans

Genetic engineering has been able to produce unusual solutions to serious physiological problems, but much is still in the testing phase. The news now, being developed by researchers at the University of Chicago, may be the solution to diabetes problems relatively simply: using artificial skin grafts with altered DNA structure.

To prove whether this is really possible, the scientists performed tests on laboratory mice. First, the animals had their stem cells altered when newborns so that it was possible to control the insulin levels produced by the pancreas. Then they were subjected to different diets, from fatter to healthier.

Less appetite, more health

The method uses a gene that encodes the hormone called glucagon 1-like peptide, or GLP-1.

In the cases of the most harmful eating mice (considering obesity to be a major cause of type 2 diabetes), modified skin grafts prevented them from developing the disease. This is because the method uses a gene that encodes the hormone called glucagon 1-like peptide, or GLP-1. It is responsible for decreasing appetite and regulating the level of blood sugars.

Still far from being a definitive solution to diabetes, the method shows that using genetically modified skin grafts can help develop longer-lasting cures for health problems with fewer side effects.