Therapeutic Application of Stem Cells on Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common side effects of diabetes, characterized by skin soreness under the foot. Recently, they have become a formidable challenge affecting nearly 15% of diabetes patients worldwide. Uncontrolled diabetes combined with neuropathy, weak immune function, and improper blood circulation are the primary causes of ulcers in the foot. Multiple studies and clinical trials demonstrate that stem cell therapy can potentially treat this foot ulcer and improve the patient’s condition.
This comprehensive blog post explains the cause of diabetic foot ulcers, their symptoms, and how stem cell treatment can effectively treat this chronic condition, helping individuals lead everyday lives.
Table of Contents
- What are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
- Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Healing Mechanism of Stem Cells for Diabetic Foot Ulcer
- Improvements Seen in Patients After Stem Cell Therapy
- Success Rates of Stem Cell Treatment For Diabetic Foot
- Why Choose Stem Cell Therapy For Diabetic Foot Ulcers
What are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a wound or sore on the bottom of the feet that is very common in diabetes patients. It is a severe complication or side effect of diabetes mellitus associated with infection, amputation, and, in worst cases, death. Patients with uncontrolled blood sugar for a long time develop ulcers on the bottom of the feet, particularly in areas that experience pressure and repetitive trauma.
As mentioned earlier, 15% of diabetes patients report foot ulcers, out of which 6% are hospitalized due to extreme levels of infection or ulcer-related complications. DFU can develop in diabetes patients of both Type 1 and Type 2 and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent the worst possible outcomes, like amputation.
Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Poor blood circulation is identified as one of the most common causes of diabetic foot ulcers due to lack of flow of blood to the feet. Damage to the nerves, wounds, excessive pressure, or trauma on the foot are also factors responsible for DFU in patients with high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).
Lack of proper blood circulation also slows down the healing process of foot ulcers, resulting in further health deterioration. Hence, managing blood sugar levels is essential to prevent the growth of foot ulcers and fight infections from ulcers. Also, maintaining proper foot hygiene with regular cleaning and moisturizing and using clean shoes and socks is necessary for patients with foot ulcers.
Related Read: Stem Cell Therapy: A Game-changer For Diabetes Patients
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcer is a challenging condition that impacts the lives of many diabetic patients. The common symptoms include:
- Drainage from the infected wound or ulcers
- Unusual swelling, redness, or irritation
- Black or dead tissue (Escher) surrounding the foot ulcer
- Painful tingling or numbness in the area or the entire bottom of the foot
- Loss of sensation or feeling
Healing Mechanism of Stem Cells for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Stem cells are undifferentiated immature cells that have the power to develop and multiply into healthy cells to replace damaged cells and treat various types of medical conditions. The latest research shows that mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human umbilical cord tissue have immense potential to repair and regenerate skin cells, which can effectively improve symptoms of foot ulcers and prolong the lives of affected individuals.
While steroids and other traditional treatments aim to temporarily relieve symptoms, stem cells address their root cause and deliver long-term positive clinical outcomes. The therapeutic effects of stem cell treatment for diabetic foot ulcers are diverse, ranging from exerting anti-inflammatory effects to regulating the immune system at the site of injury, promoting tissue regeneration, and accelerating the healing response.
Furthermore, umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are known for their pluripotent characteristic, which allows them to form any cell type, including nerve and skin cells. Their capability to quickly regrow skin cells at the foot ulcer site promotes rapid wound closure or healing, reducing the risk of infection.
Improvements Seen in Patients After Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell treatment for diabetic foot ulcers has proven to be quite effective. It promises to enhance vascular function and improve healing rates of foot ulcers in patients with peripheral and diabetic neuropathy. Administration of stem cells is generally considered safe, with no adverse reactions impacting patients’ quality of life.
The significant improvements observed in patients with DFU after the therapy are:
- No more drainage from the infected wound or ulcer
- Decrease in pain and soreness
- Reduction in the size of the ulcer
- Reduced blisters or wounds
- Controlled blood sugar level
- Reduced numbness or tingling sensation
- Pain-free walking
Early medical interventions in diabetic foot ulcers with stem cell therapy can result in the above substantial improvements in healing. It helps ease pain and reduces the wound’s size by promoting healthy tissue growth.
Success Rates of Stem Cell Treatment For Diabetic Foot
Stem cell treatment has shown promising results improving the patient’s conditions, with success rates of around 80%. The factors that influence the efficacy or success rates of stem cell treatment in DFU are:
- Rate of angiogenesis – growth or formation of new blood vessels
- Pain scores – the intensity of pain in the foot, particularly in the affected wound
- Complete healing time – how fast the ulcer heals through healthy tissue regeneration
- Ulcer size reduction – the quicker the size reduces, the better
- Amputation rate – decrease in chances of foot amputation
Overall, stem cell therapy has shown positive outcomes in halting the progression of foot ulcers with regeneration of skin tissue and better wound healing.
Read Also: Healing Power Of Stem Cell Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide
Why Choose Stem Cell Therapy For Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Stem cell therapy offers advantages over medications and other traditional treatments to heal foot ulcers.
- The process is less or minimally invasive and primarily performed in an outpatient department under the clinical supervision of healthcare professionals.
- The therapy is safe, with zero or no significant side effects.
- There is no risk of immune or allergic reactions as the chances of cell rejection in umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are zero.
- There are no adverse complications or transmissible diseases.
- The therapy requires a minimum hospital stay.
- The recovery period is short, and the therapy delivers long-lasting results.
Closing Thoughts
Stem cell therapy is a promising field in regenerative medicine that offers therapeutic benefits in treating diabetic foot ulcers. Mesenchymal stem cells use their regenerative potential to facilitate tissue repair, regenerate healthy cells, and accelerate the healing process of foot ulcers. Clinical studies and research suggest that stem cell-based treatment significantly reduces ulcer size and amputation risks. Current evidence suggests that stem cell therapy can be a breakthrough in managing diabetic foot ulcers and relieving pain.
Life Altering Stem Cell Therapy Institute is a renowned stem cell center in Mexico. Its team of highly trained and experienced medical professionals can provide all the information and advice you need for your specific medical condition. We aim to offer a personalized treatment plan for every patient and help them on their journey to well-being.
Stem Cell Therapy For Diabetes Type 2 – An Advanced Treatment
Managing diabetes is challenging and a daily struggle for millions of individuals. Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent long-term condition caused by a spike in blood sugar levels. The pancreas releases a hormone called insulin to regulate carbohydrate metabolism and the movement of sugar into the cells. When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, and the cells are incapable of using it properly, it leads to uncontrolled blood glucose levels.
Type 2 Diabetes usually affects adults over the age of 45, and excessive weight and a sedentary lifestyle are considered primary triggers. Sometimes, hereditary factors are also responsible for this chronic medical condition. It can reduce a patient’s life expectancy by ten years. Research suggests that stem cell therapy has immense potential in regenerating insulin-producing beta cells and controlling the blood sugar level in the body.
This article highlights the therapeutic potential of stem cells in managing Type 2 diabetes, how they work, treatment procedures, benefits, and expected results.
Table of Contents
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medicine that uses stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged cells or tissues. It is a promising approach that utilizes stem cells’ unique properties to treat various diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and more. Research and clinical studies indicate that this novel therapeutic approach helps manage blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes patients by regrowing insulin-producing cells and restoring beta cell function.
Read Also: Stem Cell Basics: What They Are And How Do They Work
Types of Stem Cells Used in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Multipotent or pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used for treating Type 2 Diabetes. They can be derived from various sources, either the patient’s body or donors. The primary sources of stem cell collection are embryos, bone marrow, adipose tissue (fatty tissue), and umbilical cord tissues.
- Embryonic stem cells are derived from early-stage embryos and can develop into any cell type within the body. They hold significant potential for diabetes treatment.
- Adult stem cells are present in diverse tissues in the body, such as the bone marrow, adipose tissue (fatty tissue), and umbilical cord. They exhibit a more multipotent differentiation capacity compared to embryonic stem cells. Nevertheless, they still hold the potential to generate insulin-producing beta cells.
- Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, originating from adult skin or blood cells that have undergone genetic reprogramming to exhibit properties of embryonic stem cells, present a viable alternative.
Most medical scientists prefer using human umbilical cord tissue because it contains abundant mesenchymal stem cells with high proliferation capacity. These cells are more robust than other sources and can differentiate into any cell type faster.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work For Type 2 Diabetes Work?
Multipotent or pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into insulin-producing beta cells to replace damaged cells and maintain the insulin level. The administered stem cells result in the development of new blood vessels that accelerate the secretion of growth factors to regulate the immune system. The stem cells create a supportive microenvironment to expedite the process of stem cell differentiation and healing response.
Utilizing stem cells helps regenerate pancreatic or insulin-producing beta cells, which boosts the body’s insulin level. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy suppresses the immune system, reduces inflammation, and repairs damaged pancreatic tissues.
Stem cell treatments help in managing Type 2 diabetes in the following ways.
- Immune Modulation – Stem cells possess immunomodulatory properties that regulate the immune system response in the pancreas, restoring its function in releasing insulin hormone to control blood glucose levels.
- Vascular Repair – Stem cells effectively address vascular complications in diabetes patients. They repair or replace damaged tissues and promote the growth of new blood vessels, improving circulation and tissue healing.
- Anti-inflammatory effects – Stem cells’ anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation and enhance insulin resistance, improving the overall health of diabetic patients.
- Beta Cell Regeneration – Type 2 diabetes destroys the insulin-producing beta cells and affects beta function, leading to uncontrolled sugar levels in the blood. Stem cells have remarkable potential to regrow beta or pancreatic cells to replace diseased ones.
Preliminary Procedures and Stem Cell Therapy Process
Before stem cell treatment for Type 2 diabetes, physicians examine the patient’s blood sugar level and other blood counts and assess the overall health condition to determine the feasibility of conducting therapy with mesenchymal stem cells. The patient’s medical history, allergies, pre-existing diseases, and health and lifestyle habits are also considered to qualify the patient for the therapy.
The prepared stem cells are injected intravenously via an IV dip, which takes one to two hours to complete. This is a standardized procedure for stem cell administration, and doctors monitor it to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort.
Healthcare providers conduct regular follow-ups to track the patient’s progress and improvement in the condition. Blood tests might be performed frequently to check the sugar level and assess how the body responds to the newly introduced stem cells.
Read Also: Stem Cell Treatment: Recent Advancements And New Applications
How Stem Cell Treatment Benefits Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Stem cell treatment for Type 2 diabetes is a safe and effective option for managing symptoms and improving the patient’s condition. After a few weeks of receiving stem cells, patients have experienced overall health improvement in the following ways.
- Blood sugar or glucose level stabilizes
- The wounds and ulcers caused by diabetes start healing
- Elimination of symptoms, such as frequent urination, hunger, and thirst
- Increased level of energy and stamina
- Reduced dependence on high doses of diabetic-controlling medicines
Final Words
The primary goal of stem cell therapy in Type 2 diabetes treatment is to activate pancreatic cell differentiation and increase the number of beta cells, restoring the endocrine function and regulating insulin production. The immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells play a vital role in suppressing the immune response and insulin resistance of the cells. A regenerative medicine approach using stem cells taps into the body’s natural capabilities to regrow insulin-producing beta cells and reduce the intensity of the symptoms.
Life Altering Stem Cell Therapy Institute is a well-established stem cell center in Mexico with a proven clinical record of successfully conducting stem cell therapies for a wide range of medical conditions. We follow the highest safety standards and best practices to ensure patients have the safest and best possible stem cell therapy experience. You can contact our medical expert to learn details about the treatment for your specific health condition.