I have been walking a tightrope for 21 years.
Life with type 1 diabetes is unforgiving and unrelenting. I fight a continual battle every day to keep my blood glucose at a level that is not too low (which would lead to unconsciousness, seizures and death) or too high (which would lead to chronic complications such as kidney failure or acute illness, coma and death).
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease - not caused by lifestyle - where a person's immune system attacks their own insulin-producing pancreatic cells. It is usually diagnosed in childhood, sometimes at only a few months old.
Diagnosis means a lifetime of insulin by injection/pump, which provides a means of life support, but not a cure.
In New Zealand, the number of people with type 1 diabetes is approaching 30,000 and diagnosis rates are increasing.
Last spring I was excited by an Otago Daily Times article detailing Spinal Cord Society New Zealand's plans to trial a cure for type 1 diabetes.
It seemed incredible to me such a viable prospect for a cure was not receiving the attention or the funding it deserved, especially with other stem-cell trials frequently appearing in the media.
History shows people have long been fascinated by magic and drawn to applaud charlatan performances demonstrating magical cures for illness.
While advances in embryonic stem-cell research often feature in the media, what is quietly known in the scientific community is that embryonic cells are many years away from providing viable treatment for disease.
They are difficult to control and prone to creating tumours once placed into a trial subject.
Why does the world persist in extolling the magic of embryonic stem cells? They are seen as more newsworthy because of the controversies associated with their use.
In addition, people wait in hope that science can find a solution for incurable diseases. Media sleight of hand has the world audience watching in awe, delighted and horrified with the possibility embryonic technology could create human organs and cure disease.
The persistence in experimenting with embryonic cells comes largely from the commercial motivations of those funding the research.
Curing a disease eradicates a large market for selling drugs and treatments. The only way to compensate for this loss of revenue is by having a cure ''product'' that can be patented and sold.
However, scientists around the world are working with cells in our bodies that are readily available and have potential to create cures right now.
Adult stem cells exist in a range of sites around our bodies. These are mature stem cells which can be manipulated and used effectively without the many issues raised by other sources of stem cells. The potential for adult stem cells has already been proven numerous times.
Most importantly, people can be treated with cells from their own bodies. The risk of transmitting disease from another person/animal is removed and so is the need for anti-rejection medication.
Adult stem cells do not carry the ethical issues raised when using clone, donor, embryonic or animal cells.
Because scientists are harnessing the adult stem cells' natural abilities, the process is far less complex and relatively inexpensive.
Lacking a commercial product, research into adult stem cells is left to laboratories that perform translational research - research that will directly benefit people and is not motivated by money or prestige.
Spinal Cord Society NZ are planning a human trial, using adult stem cells to cure type 1 diabetes.
Found in bone marrow, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a natural role in controlling the immune system. By activating their power to control immune cells, the society's trial aims to use MSCs to halt the attack and allow insulin-producing cells to regrow and begin producing insulin again.
The method being trialled also holds promise for other autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease.
The society is a not-for-profit charity with a translational research laboratory in Dunedin . Its work with MSCs has an ultimate goal of curing spinal cord injuries. The type 1 diabetes trial is a stepping stone on this path.
As a result of the global recession and the Christchurch earthquakes, the philanthropic dollar has become harder to obtain in New Zealand.
Amid an economic famine, with an imperative to continue using MSCs in meaningful work, the society began reviewing international research, looking to perform a trial that, compared with spinal cord injury, would be less complex and could be completed in a shorter timeframe, therefore reducing the cost.
Most importantly, there would be a high chance of a successful cure. Type 1 diabetes was a clear candidate.
We are fortunate this trial will happen here in New Zealand, oceans away from the corporate influences that have halted similar efforts overseas.
Because the society is not-for-profit, once proven the cure will be delivered to the world for all to use, without exorbitant drug company fees.
This is New Zealand's opportunity to lead the world in curing type 1 diabetes. Let's give it the attention it deserves.
• Sandra Grant is from the Catlins. The first stage of the trial is due to begin next month.
