I received the normal JDRF research newsletter the other day. As usual, I perused the updates on diabetes. There was a large article on the new stem cell legislation movement, but I quickly passed over it. But two articles did catch my eye.

One was regarding "Insulin Fragment" Therapy, which I hadn't heard about before this newsletter. A study from the UK showed that "proinsulin peptide" therapy could seemingly restore the immune system without any adverse side effects (like the immunotherapy treatments for pancreas and cell transplants). More research had to be done, but it was still an important milestone.

The other article had to do with protein regeneration for adult beta cells. It was a snippet of an article regarding the prospect of regeneration and replication of beta cells for type 1s. All it did was leave hope. Hope for regrowth. Hope for a life without diabetes.

Both these articles and the recent hype about stem cell research has me, and I'm sure everyone, thinking about a cure. I found myself thinking so positively after I read the articles. I wanted to join the studies now. I wanted to take part in it all right this second.

Then reality brought me down to life. I've heard many of these types of stories before in the past sixteen years. It's not new that they are constantly making breakthroughs and promising a cure in the next few years. Everyone is always saying that it isn't much longer.

But it's been longer. It's been sixteen grueling years! I've waited, patiently and not so patiently. I've donated to the cause. I've participated. I've spread the word. I'm not sure what else that I can do.

After all, they've made all these breakthroughs. They've found triggers and telling factors, yet millions of people are still diagnosed with diabetes every year. We've all been promised these things...the seaweed and islet cells, the pancreas transplants, the cancer pills, everything you can imagine!

Yet here we are...still struggling. We're still fighting for a cure. We are still dealing...with lows, with highs, and with everything in between. We're not getting transplants or taking pills to make it all go away. We haven't been restored.

So really, how much longer, Mr. Scientist? How much longer do I have to wait to get a cure? You've made the breakthroughs. Trials have proved that there is some sort of hope. Yet when will the common people get a taste of this hope? When will we get the break?