The University of Chicago Medical Center has an interesting account about a rare form of diabetes, caused by a mutation that prevents the pancreas cells from secreting insulin, and a novel, extremely effective approach in treating the condition. Unlike the more common autoimmune disorder, the diabetes caused by Kir6.2 mutation seems to be rare but easily treated by sulfonylurea meds. The details of the treatment are still being worked on.
For the first time in more than six years, Lilly no longer gets insulin. She takes five sulfonylurea pills twice a day, for now. That will be reduced to two as her team settles on the optimal dose."Lilly has always been an active child, involved in soccer and ballet," said her mother, "but now she has the freedom to be a normal active child. She can go to sleepovers or playdates without Mom coming along to do blood sugar tests and operate her pump. She can eat snacks without counting carbohydrates or testing her blood. Just like all of us, it is important that Lilly continue a healthy, physically active lifestyle for her health, but this will greatly enhance her long-term prognosis."
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