Gene therapy is an experimental method using healthy genes to repair or modify cells. It is being developed to treat diabetes, cancer, heart disease and other conditions.

Genes are the basic unit of heredity. Humans have tens of thousands of genes, each of which contains a strand of DNA. DNA provides instructions to various parts of the body and controls everything from hair color to the creation of vital organs.

Gene therapy uses a modified virus or other carrier to transport genetic material into cells that have defective or missing DNA. This technology may have wide-ranging implications for the treatment of diabetes. For example, it is being studied as a way to produce insulin and to treat complications such as diabetic neuropathy, foot ulcers, high blood pressure and sexual dysfunction.

Although gene therapy has shown promise, several risks have already been identified. For example, the modified viruses that are sometimes used may cause an exaggerated immune reaction. Research on diabetic gene therapy is still in its early stages, but several trials on human volunteers have taken place, with more being planned.