A new study published in April 2007 suggests that stem cell transplantation may help patients with type 1 diabetes reduce the need for insulin. This is the first study to combine stem cell transplants with immuno-supression in patients with diabetes. Thirteen of the patients responded to the treatment, and no longer need insulin. The study's first author, Dr. Júlio Voltarelli of the University of São Paulo says that the thirteen patients "live a normal life without taking insulin. They all went back to their lives." Some patients have been insulin-free for 20 months.