Obama ends stem cell research ban

March 9, 3:42 PMSt. Louis Diabetes ExaminerKaycee Connell

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 President Barack Obama ended the ban on human embryonic stem cell research in a White House ceremony today before signing an executive order to lift the restrictions set by former President Bush.

In overturning Bush's policy, Obama believes the research would require guidelines and strict oversight, and this would not encourage human cloning. However, this would open the door to a better understanding and treatment of many diseases, like diabetes. 

This affects diabetes mainly because researchers believe stem cells could ultimately replicate insulin-producing cells in the pancrease. When those cells are transplanted, they can cure type 1 diabetes.

Transplanted cells can effectively cure Type 1 diabetics, but the current supply is much lower than the need. Although there are 1.5 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes, only 6,000 donor pancreases are available annually.

Until there is a cure, this is definitely a step in the right direction. For more information today's action, click here.