Support war on diabetes

In the ongoing war against debilitating disease, some battles are going better than others. But the news from the medical front this week concerning combat against diabetes was heartening. For years, medical science has been making headway against the disease. It was recently reported that those who have spent years hassling with needles and syringes can now turn to breath inhalers for insulin. And a public service campaign warning people of the danger signs — especially among Native Americans — has raised awareness and instances of intervention.

But now three groups of scientists are reporting they have replicated a breakthrough experiment. Severely diabetic mice are able to recover from the disease on their own if a specific attack on the immune system is squelched. The notion — once mocked — that the pancreas can heal by itself has been proved to be true, at least in rodents. Humans, of course, are another matter; but motivation is high.

Still, for the warriors in the diabetes fray, the idea of being able to reverse Type 1 diabetes — an ailment that affects perhaps 1 million Americans, most of them youngsters — is a cause for cautious optimism and even celebration.

And for sufferers, the timing of the Diabetes Expo at the South Towne Expo Center (9575 S. State) today couldn't be more fortuitous. It is a great opportunity for those with concerns about the disease to get to the bottom of things. Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association, the Expo runs until 4 p.m. this afternoon and includes foot, eye and bone density screenings, cooking demonstrations, a bookstore and several information booths. There also will be face painting and other activities for the kids. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, children get in free.

Get checked now.

Medical science may still be a ways away from finding a silver bullet to knock out diabetes, but inroads are being made daily. It would be a pity if people who had the disease didn't get screened in time, leaving family and friends to say "it might have been" when that miracle cure finally does come on the scene.