In a finding that might seem obscure but is nonetheless important to many people with diabetes, researchers have discovered where the body’s insulin-making beta cells come from: other beta cells.It is a discovery that will help guide research aimed at helping people with type 1 diabetes, a genetic condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys beta cells, said Dr. Douglas A. Melton, a professor of natural sciences at Harvard University and leader of the group reporting the finding in the May 6 issue of Nature. One goal is a treatment that will supply new beta cells to replace those destroyed by the immune attack.
