### Promising New Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes Researchers have developed an experimental device that could significantly reduce the need for insulin shots in people with type 1 diabetes. This device contains millions of lab-grown pancreatic cells, known as VC-02, which are implanted under the skin. In a recent study, 10 participants who couldn't produce insulin naturally received these implants. After six months, three of them showed significant improvement, spending more time with normal blood sugar levels and reducing their need for external insulin. Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. This condition is often diagnosed in children and young adults. In the United States, about 1.24 million people live with type 1 diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 5 million by 2050. The new treatment aims to make the implanted cells strong enough to eliminate the need for insulin injections altogether. The study, published in Nature Biotechnology, showed that the implanted cells could help the body produce insulin. The researchers used devices about the size of a small bandage, which deliver a steady supply of insulin to the body. While the trial showed promising results, it had limitations. The study was small, and the technology didn't completely normalize blood glucose levels. However, it offers hope for a future cure. If successful, this treatment could prevent complications related to type 1 diabetes, such as blindness, kidney problems, and heart disease. The trial was conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health, in collaboration with the biotechnology company ViaCyte. The next steps involve improving the design of the devices and conducting larger studies to confirm the results.