Blog Post
Islet Research: Dimmer Switch Breakthrough
ADF Staff • November 7, 2021
Dr Patrick MacDonald and his team at the Alberta Diabetes Institute IsletCore have made a very important breakthrough in type 2 diabetes. They have identified a new pathway that controls insulin production from pancreatic islet cells.
This pathway acts as the ‘dimmer switch’ to determine how much insulin comes out once these cells are ‘turned on’.
Scientists have been trying to solve the mystery of the ‘dimmer switch’ for over 20 years. They have found that this dimmer switch is broken in the cells of type 2 diabetics but can be fixed so that diabetic cells work the same as healthy cells.
The ability to restore and fix the dimmer switch in islet cells has been proven on a molecular level but the there will be a challenge to translate these findings into clinical use. The Alberta Diabetes Foundation has a 7 year, $100,000 commitment with Dr MacDonald to support his research in this field of study and Dr MacDonald believes the findings show a important new way forward.
A Special Story from Our Impact Mailing This year, we’re sharing our Impact Mailing campaign online for the first time. It features Murray’s story and showcases the milestones ADF has reached, thanks to your generous support.
Read about how the Hebenton's deal with diabetes through a poignant letter written by Michelle Hebenton, a mother to a 6 year old with diabetes.
Learn all about Dr. Haqq's exciting Type 2 Diabetes research with Metformin and fibre supplementation!
Learn about Dr. James Shapiro and his exciting advances in Stem Cell transplantation as a cure for diabetes!
Learn some tricks and tips to help navigate the holidays while managing diabetes!
Learn how Dr. Korbutt and Dr. Pepper are reimagining The Edmonton Protocol and islet transplantation
Meet Brynne-Leigh Marsden and read about her type 1 diabetes in real life