Bone protein could provide cure for diabetics

A protein primarily used to help mend bones can also force pancreatic cells to produce insulin. The discovery made by researchers at the Diabetes Research Institute in Florida could mean that those with type 1 diabetes would be able to produce their own insulin, without having to take daily injections. Researchers have found that non-beta cells in the pancreas can be transformed into insulin-producing cells by exposing them the growth factor BMP-7.