I've been told that a cure for diabetes is fast approaching. New research shows that scientists are getting closer and closer to a cure every year. Most certainly every decade. The latest and greatest thing to hopefully come on the market soon is the artificial pancreas. This is an interesting concept. I think it shows some pretty cool technology. I think it shows that we are getting closer to a cure. A cure, for me though, would be to have some kind of medicine, or operation which allows me to not have to check my sugar ever again. To be insulin free and to not have any complications of diabetes. This cure... is this a possibility? Is it a reality? Will it ever be? But more importantly; do those with the power to cure diabetes actually WANT a cure for diabetes?
Let me back up and give a little background here. A few months ago I attended the ADA expo. Remember? Anyway, while I was waiting in line to talk to the representative from Omni Pod, there was a man about 10-15 years my senior. He got into a deep discussion with the rep asking him why he thought diabetes would ever be cured. I thought it was an interesting inquiry. For the most part, I thought he was being pretty pessimistic. However, if you think about it, he may have a point.
I mean, why would all of the pharmaceutical companies want to cure diabetes? Why would they want to put money in to finding a cure which would take away the dependency of so many customers? Think of the financial side of things. People with diabetes have to pay for medications: insulin, oral medications and most frequently other medicines that help treat complications of diabetes, meds for heart disease, thyroid issues, cholesterol, and the list goes on and on. Diabetics pay for meters, pumps, test strips, syringes, infusion sets, reservoirs, alcohol pads, glucose tablets. Some people with diabetes buy special shoes, artificial sweeteners, and other food products manufactured with less sugar. Why end all of that revenue? Why find a cure to something so profitable?
Its a question I think too few of us are asking. I do not consider myself to be a pessimist. However, I certainly don't consider myself an optimist either. I'm more of a realist. At least, that's the way I see myself. I usually analyze things the way they are and don't try to put a negative nor positive spin on things. I wish I were an optimist, but that just doesn't come very naturally to me- in most situations. ANYWAY, I do think that there may be some truth to the fact that doctors, scientists, pharmacists, and most certainly DRUG COMPANIES do NOT want to find a cure for diabetes, not now, possibly not ever.
Thoughts?
Anyone want to chime in?
