Document Type

Plan B - Open Access

Award Date

2025

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology and Microbiology

First Advisor

Greg Heiberger

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that affects multitudes of people without a cost-effective cure. T1D is caused by the immune system reaching a threshold where it then begins to attack the beta cells in the pancreas causing inflammation, which eventually leads to the death of beta cells. Once a large majority of the beta cells die off, the pancreas begins to inadequately supply insulin to the body, which is when the symptoms of T1D begin to emerge. To treat these symptoms, the person must utilize synthetic insulin. The utilization of synthetic insulin, along with the plethora of supplies that must be managed to live a “normal” day-to-day life with T1D, is nothing short of an astronomical financial feat that most cannot fathom. Multiple researchers have conducted in-depth studies to try and eliminate this cost for exogenous insulin by introducing methods to counteract the depletion of beta cells in the body and renew their stores. The measurement of C-peptide, a byproduct of insulin production, allows researchers to gauge beta cell functioning and allows for better evaluations of developing treatments. The use of immunological therapies and the implementation of stem cells developed into beta cells to secrete insulin for the patient is the forefront of the latest developments for new treatments to preserve beta cell functioning and the potential for a cure for type one diabetes.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

© 2024 Dillon Peterson

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