Study Finds Possible New Ally in Fight Against Diabetes

Researchers may have found a new helpmate in their search for a cure to diabetes. A new study in the journal Cell, has identified a particular hormone that appears to grow the very cells that are destroyed by the disease.

The hormone, which the scientists working on the study have dubbed betatrophin, encourages the pancreas to grow new beta cells. Beta cells are our body's primary manufacturers of insulin.

Here is some of the key information that emerged on Thursday regarding this new study into the effect of hormones on diabetes.

* People with diabetes lack the ability to make enough insulin, which helps the body process sugar. Without it, a person can eventually suffer from organ damage, kidney failure, and blindness, and can even lose a limb to the disease.