“For the first time ever, University of B.C. scientists have used human embryonic stem cell transplants to reverse Type 1 diabetes in mice with the disease, giving hope to about 300 million people around the world who suffer from the chronic disease.

The study by a 13-member team, lead by LSI Researcher, Tim Kieffer, is published in the journal Diabetes, shows that after transplantation, the stem cells matured into insulin-secreting, pancreatic beta-cells. The cells automatically sensed blood sugar levels to release the right amount of insulin and a few dozen diabetic mice were gradually weaned off insulin given to them over a period of months.” Vancouver Sun, June 27, 2012

The new study received extensive media coverage including in the Vancouver Sun and Global TV

Image on the left shows stem cell derived insulin containing cells (red) and glucagon expressing cells (green) with a nuclear stain (blue) after transplant and maturation, appearing very similar to insulin and glucagon producing cells found in human pancreas (right image).