The documentary tells a rich story about scientific perseverance, and the power of love and human connection. Through painstaking research and collaboration, an international team of scientists solved an intricate diabetes puzzle. This historic breakthrough created life-changing miracles for many who have been able to break free from insulin dependence forever.
The film weaves together the lives and touching stories of scientists and grateful families who hoped and prayed for a diabetes cure, but never in their wildest dreams imagined it would come in the form of a simple pill. Families shared the devastating diagnosis of what doctors only knew at the time to call type 1 diabetes. But thanks to the discovery of a different form - called monogenic diabetes - they now share a new diagnosis, and with it a switch in treatment from insulin shots to taking pills. It’s a heartwarming story that blends science and humanity with authenticity.
Background: As many as a half-million Americans with diabetes are taking insulin and don’t need to. What these patients and their doctors don’t know is that they actually have the wrong diagnosis.
For decades, scientists throughout the world have worked diligently to find a cure and discover critical pieces to a complex diabetes puzzle. In recent years, scientists confirmed what they had long suspected: there are genetic forms of diabetes — different than either type 1 or type 2. These newly understood forms are called “monogenic diabetes” and the best way to treat many of them is not with insulin.
With the right diagnosis - using genetic testing - many people can radically change their diabetes treatment. Rather than insulin shots, they can be successfully treated with an inexpensive and commonly used diabetes drug, a sulfonylurea. It allows the body to make and secrete its own insulin.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 25 million Americans (347 million worldwide) suffer from various forms of diabetes. It is a chronic disease in which the body cannot control blood sugars resulting in serious, and sometimes deadly, health consequences including blindness, heart disease, amputation, and kidney disease.
Up to 95 percent of people with monogenic diabetes are misdiagnosed. This is because neither they nor their medical providers are even aware of the possibility of another diagnosis and treatment. Producers of Journey to a Miracle: Freedom from Insulin hope to raise awareness and encourage both doctors and patients to consider exploring an alternative diagnosis.
Film site: http://www.Journeytoamiraclemovie.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Journeytoamiracle
