Abstract: Methods and compositions for preserving the function of insulin-producing cells and to furthering the lifespan of insulin-producing cells in non-insulin dependent patients with insulin-related disorders are provided.

Abstract: Methods related to the treatment of diabetes and improving the efficiency of insulin utilization are provided. The method enables effective control of prandial glucose levels while reducing the risk of postprandial hypoglycemia. In particular, methods of potentiating the activity of endogenous insulin in type 2 diabetics and exogenous long-acting insulin in diabetics requiring basal insulin replacement are provided.

Abstract: Methods related to the treatment of diabetes and improving the control of blood glucose levels are provided. In particular, methods are provided for effectively reducing postprandial glucose excursions while reducing the incidence of clinically significant late postprandial hypoglycemia by administered an insulin composition in a form suitable for pulmonary administration. Additionally, methods for effectively reducing post-prandial glucose excursions while reducing the incidence of clinically significant late postprandial hypoglycemia by administered an insulin composition in a form suitable for pulmonary administration along with a long-acting basal insulin.

Abstract: Inhalable insulin compositions are provided that rapidly clear from the lungs of patients. Additionally, methods of minimizing insulin accrual after administration of an inhaled insulin composition are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing serum proinsulin levels, lessening post-prandial pancreatic stress, and reducing risk factors for atherosclerosis in subjects with diabetes mellitus, type 2. The method includes administration of insulin in a manner that mimics the meal-related first phase insulin response, using a dose sufficient to reduce serum levels of proinsulin. In some embodiments of the method insulin administration is commenced early in the course of the disease. Mimicking first phase kinetics, peak serum insulin levels can be reached within about 18 minutes of administration. In increasingly preferred embodiments peak serum insulin levels can be reached within about 15, 12, or 10 minutes of administration. Serum insulin levels return to baseline within about two hours of administration.

Abstract: A method for producing artificial supporting members in the human body is provided. In a first manufacturing stage, at least two support part members are matched together by machining contact surfaces on the supporting part members via which the supporting members are joined. Also during this stage, positional information regarding the relative positions of the contact surfaces and the supporting part members is identified. In a second manufacturing stage, the supporting part members are joined together using the positional information and are applied on a bearing member in relation to a plane. The plane extends at right angles with respect to a selected direction of the supporting member parts when they are in their matched positions. At least one of a wire feeding track and the bearing member are moved whereby the position of the wire feeding track is altered with respect to the plane. The wire feeding track is moved to cross connection portions of the supporting part members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spacing member for a tooth implant, comprising a base portion for attachment to a fixture implanted in the jawbone, and an upper part with an essentially conical outer limit surface for attachment to a tooth prosthesis. The base portion comprises a through hole for a spacing screw which is intended to engage with an internally threaded bore in the upper portion of the fixture and thereby form a first screw connection for locking the spacing member securely in a defined direction of deflection in relation to the fixture. The upper part comprises a second screw connection for attachment of the tooth prosthesis, which screw connection forms a fixed angle .delta. in relation to the first screw connection.

Abstract: A screw-shaped titanium anchoring member for permanent anchorage in bone tissue, specifically permanent anchorage of artificial teeth or tooth bridges in the jaw-bone, comprises at least one cavity located at the forward tip of the screw, the edges of the at least one cavity on the outer threaded cylindrical surface forming cutting tooth with cutting edge to provide self-tapping when the anchoring member is screwed into a bored hole in the bone tissue and the total volume of the at least one cavity being adapted to contain the scraped-off bone tissue material. The anchoring member on the outer cylindrical surface of the cutting tooth, a short distance behind its cutting edge, is provided with a clearance surface defined on the outer surface of the anchoring member, which when seen in a cross-section through the cutting part of the anchoring member, is slightly bevelled a short distance behind the threaded cutting edge.