Type 1 diabetes is a disorder resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. According to the Diabetes Control & Complications trial, the absence of diabetes management can lead to several health complications. The high glucose deposits in blood vessels and nerves, adversely affecting several organs, such as the kidneys, eyes, heart, etc. Despite being present in millions of patients on a global level, the treatment options for this disorder are limited, leading to a modest impact.
A groundbreaking case at the beginning of 2025 has changed the treatment approach to diabetes. A woman injected with stem cells was able to produce insulin on her own, resulting in normal glucose levels. The case not only highlighted the potential of Stem Cell Treatment for Diabetes but also the possibility of reversing the condition. This blog explores type 1 diabetes and its treatment by stem cells.
Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes results in hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). Depending on the causative factors, the disorder has been categorized as type 1 and 2. Type 2 diabetes results from increased resistance to insulin- a hormone responsible for glucose absorption from blood by cells. Therefore, despite normal insulin levels, cells do not metabolize glucose. On the other hand, the body’s immune cells attack and destroy beta islet cells in the pancreas that synthesize insulin in type 1 diabetes. In the absence of insulin, glucose levels get drastically high. Therefore, it is also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes.
It is more prominent in children than in adults. In the absence of glucose metabolism, the body begins breaking down fats for energy. The by-products of fat degradation—acidic ketones—build up in the blood. This is called ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication. The exact trigger for the condition is not entirely clear, but might involve genetic and environmental factors.
Limitations of Current Treatment Modalities
The treatment of type 1 diabetes centers around restoring insulin levels through external supply. Therefore, insulin is administered to patients either via injections or portable pumps. However, patients face several challenges from this treatment.
- Hypoglycemia: Insulin injections can lower glucose levels below the normal range, knwon as hypoglycemia. Repeated hypoglycemic events increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders and cognitive impairment.
- Regular Monitoring: Patients need to monitor their glucose levels to avoid hypoglycemia and adjust their insulin dosage. An automated insulin delivery system with in-built monitoring technology is undergoing refinements to minimize the need for regular monitoring.
- Prolonged Therapy: Insulin therapy is not a cure, mandating its daily intake- one of the treatment drawbacks.
- Management: Patients often need to change their lifestyle to regulate glucose levels while being cautious of their diet and medication to avoid hyper- or hypoglycemia. It declines their quality of life.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is an innovative treatment strategy. It involves the use of stem cells—the body’s regenerative toolkit. With their ability to form different cell types and renew, these cells can repair any tissue damage. Clinical studies are evaluating the effectiveness of this therapy in several disorders. Amidst the various types of stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained the most attention. They are associated with a lower risk of adverse effects and easy availability.
Recent studies have revealed that the therapeutic capacity of MSCs goes beyond repair. They can alter the immune system, combat inflammation, and exert angiogenic effects that can address multiple mechanisms of any disorder.
Stem Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes treatment manages the symptoms but cannot treat the disorder. In this treatment landscape, stem cell treatment offers a different and more promising approach. Stem cells transform into beta islet cells within the body and begin the production of insulin in a natural manner. Additionally, stem cells target the core pathways of the condition—the autoimmune response.
- Stem cells inhibit the proliferation of T lymphocytes that attack beta islets and augment the levels of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs). Tregs suppress the autoimmunity against the body’s cells. These two mechanisms prevent the surviving beta islets from destruction.
- Furthermore, stem cells enhance the survival of islets and induce the formation of beta islets from their progenitors in the pancreas. This replenishes the population of islets that can monitor glucose levels and secrete insulin accordingly.
These mechanisms of stem cell therapy for diabetes reduce the need for insulin therapy.
Can Stem Cells Cure Diabetes?
The improvements from the stem cell Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes have been positive, such as normal glucose levels, rising insulin concentration, and minimal need for external insulin injections. The antibodies against islet cells also decreased after therapy, demonstrating the immune modulation effect. Several clinical trials have also demonstrated the absence of side effects a year after administering MSCs. The impact of stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes is sustainable, taking the treatment one step further from conventional interventions. Stem cells might be regarded as a cure for type 1 diabetes by restoring beta islets and driving natural insulin synthesis. However, for the therapy to be regarded as a cure, evaluation of its long-term effects is necessary. Standardization of the treatment is also essential for its effective translation.
Diabetes Management
Effective management of diabetes can prevent additional health complications. It involves a combination of-
- Carbohydrate Counting: It is an essential practice for type 1 diabetic patients. A low-carbohydrate diet during mealtime followed by a full insulin dose can cause a hypoglycemic event. Therefore, patients should consult a nutritionist to optimize their meals.
- Regular Physical Activity: Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, reduces the risk of other health issues, and prevents blood glucose fluctuations.
- Glucose Monitoring: Continuous glucose monitoring is a standard in diabetes management. It alleviates the risk of hypoglycemia and provides detailed data on glucose levels to adjust insulin dosage and diet accordingly.
- Education and Support: To increase adherence to treatment and management, self-management education and psychological support are essential.
- Follow-Up: After initial diagnosis, patients should regularly follow up with the clinician. This aids in adjusting insulin dosage if necessary and screening for diabetes-related complications.
Conclusion
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong burden which changes the lifestyle entirely. The treatment entails insulin replacement, but still requires managing the condition, which is challenging. The increased susceptibility to other disorders mandates the therapy and management of the disorder, restricting their everyday life in several aspects. Stem cell therapy for diabetes can reduce the burden by inducing beta islet regeneration to reinstate natural glucose monitoring and insulin secretion. Early phase trials have proven the therapeutic ability of this therapy, resulting in long-term improvements. More trials will shift the treatment from the lab to hospitals, essentially becoming a cure for diabetes in the future. Advancells is already moving towards that future with its high-quality stem cells. It manufactures MSCs in an ISO-certified laboratory by following GMP guidelines, demonstrating its adherence to quality.
FAQ’s
Q-How are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes different?
Type 1 involves destruction of insulin-producing beta cells, lowering the insulin production and in contrast, type 2 diabetes occurs due to low or negligible response of the body’s cells to insulin despite its normal production.
Q-How does stem cell treatment treat Type 1 diabetes?
Stem cell therapy restores insulin production by regenerating pancreatic beta islet cells. The administered stem cells also suppress the immune system’s attack on these cells, thereby addressing both the cause and symptoms of the disease.
Q-Do stem cells cure diabetes?
The current results of the therapy are promising. Patients have shown improved insulin production and reduced dependency on insulin injections. However, it is too early to regard stem cell therapy as a definitive cure. Long-term studies and standardized treatment protocols are still required to confirm its permanent effectiveness.
Q-Are there any complications with stem cell treatment?
Clinical trials so far indicate minimal side effects. Since mesenchymal stem cells are less immunogenic and have anti-inflammatory properties, the risk of rejection or severe adverse reactions is low. Further research will validate its long-term safety.
Recent Comments