How To Treat Diabetic Nephropathy with Stem Cell Therapy

More than one-third of the global population with diabetes type 1 and 2 are at risk of suffering from diabetic nephropathy.

Nearly $2.8 billion is the market cost for diabetic nephropathy treatment in 2024.

1 out of 3 people in the US suffer from diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, people with diabetic kidney diseases have a higher mortality risk and kidney failure chances.

The scientific breakthrough of stem cell therapy has reshaped the future of healthcare for patients.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human umbilical cord tissues (Wharton’s Jelly) are anti-inflammatory. Also, MSCs impose paracrine effects to reverse the conditions of diabetic kidney diseases like nephropathy.

In this blog, we will navigate how diabetic nephropathy can be healed with stem cell therapy.

What is Diabetic Nephropathy?

Diabetes is a chronic disease due to the body’s insufficient insulin production. Insulin is a blood glucose-regulating hormone produced by the islet cells in the pancreas.

Diabetes is classified as type 1 and 2. The body’s immune system destroys the islet cells within the pancreas. Islet cell destruction reduces or completely stops the production of insulin hormone. Moreover, it can build resistance to the effects of insulin on the body.

Read Also: Promises of Stem Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

Diabetic nephropathy is common for patients who have been suffering from diabetes for more than 10 years. This is a microvascular condition.

The risks of diabetic nephropathy are increased if the patient has high sugar, high blood pressure, smoking habits, obesity, or a family history of kidney or diabetic diseases.

Kidney failure is the final stage of diabetic nephropathy.

Diagnosis

Increased production of albumin protein in the urine is an indication of reduced glomerular filtration. It prevents the elimination of unwanted fluids from the body due to reduced capabilities of the kidney.

Other diagnosis methods include checking for blood sugar levels and detecting vitamin deficiencies, chronic kidney conditions, and abnormal immune systems.

Also, doctors check the sensitivity of a patient to vibrations and temperatures.

Causes

Several factors promote diabetic nephropathy development. Some of them are –

• Hyperglycemia – Unregulated blood sugar levels that damage the blood vessels required for urine filtration.
• Hypertension – Uncontrolled high pressure can cause damage to the kidneys.
• Heredity – Several genetic factors such as family history can promote the development of type 1 and 2 diabetes that leads to diabetic nephropathy.
• External factors – Habits such as smoking and drinking highly impact blood cholesterol levels. The kidneys are severely damaged and diseases can develop.

Symptoms

Notable symptoms of diabetic nephropathy include –

• Unusual weight gain
• Inflamed legs and ankles
• Excessive urination during the night
• Dizziness and fatigue in the morning
• Increased blood pressure or hypertension
• Anemia
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Shortness of breath

Complications

The complications differ based on the age, gender, and condition of the patient. Keep a check on the following factors if you have diabetic nephropathy –

• Accumulation of fluid in the lungs. It increases the chances of swelling and blood pressure.
• Reduced red blood cells for oxygenation.
• A rise in the level of blood potassium can cause disorientation.
• Increases the chances of heart and blood-related diseases such as stroke.
• Irreversible damage to the kidneys can lead to dialysis.

Role of Stem Cells in Repairing Diabetic Nephropathy

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) are multipotent. Stem cell treatment for peripheral and diabetic neuropathy has high success rates for diseases that are treated in their early stages.

Umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CT-MSCs) not only restore the damage to kidneys caused by diabetic nephropathy but also prevent such diseases from reoccurring.

The immune system does not reject MSC interventions and stem cells from Wharton’s Jelly are readily accessible for therapy.

Noteworthy results of stem cell treatment for diabetic kidney diseases include –

• Cell regeneration – MSCs replace damaged islet cells with new functional cells. The islet cells can promote insulin regeneration. Also, it increases the renal tubular membranes and reduces glomerular hypertrophy.
• Stops kidney disease progression – It reverses the kidney damage caused due to diabetes and stops the progression of further diseases.
• Immunity system strengthening – Promotes the islet cell production and insulin generation capabilities of the body.
• Renews epithelial cells – Stem cell therapy regrows epithelial cells that are damaged due to inflammation or bacterial actions.
• Optimizes glycemia – A process to manage blood sugar levels by inducing insulin or other medical interventions. Managing glycemia reduces the risk of macrovascular complications such as diabetic nephropathy.
• Promotes blood pressure regulation – Stem cells regenerate damaged tissues, blood vessels, and muscles that can reduce high blood pressure levels.

Early treatment of diabetic nephropathy can reverse the effects of the disease and restore the self-healing abilities of the body.

Read Also: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetic Kidney Diseases

Stem cells are an advanced regenerative medicine, and here are the benefits of the therapy –

• Regulates the immune system’s response in the pancreas to restore the release of sufficient insulin hormones into the bloodstream and control the blood sugar levels.
• MSCs replace damaged tissues, grow new blood vessels, and regulate vascular complications for diabetic patients.
• Anti-inflammatory properties of the HUC-MSCs improve the response to insulin and cure diabetic conditions related to the kidneys.
• The cell differentiation abilities of stem cells can help to distinguish and transform into beta islet cells to improve the production of insulin hormones in the pancreas.
• The treatment addresses the root cause of diabetic nephropathy and offers permanent regenerative solutions.
• A minimally invasive procedure via intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) methods.

Read Also: An Advanced Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes with Stem Cell Therapy

Cost of Stem Cell Interventions for Diabetic and Peripheral Nephropathy

The cost of stem cell therapy for diabetic nephropathy depends on multiple factors. Some of these are –

• Source of MSCs
• Cell migration abilities
• Area and method of administration
• Volume of stem cell dosage
• Severity and stage of kidney damage
• The potency of stem cells

Takeaway

Diabetes imposes a heavy risk of kidney failure. It has some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide.

MSCs promote angiogenesis, have anti-inflammatory properties, and regulate immune cell responses. Stem cells are beneficial in differentiating and producing insulin-production islet cells. Additionally, stem cell therapy reduces the safety risks. It is a minimally-invasive non-surgical method compared to painful surgeries or dialysis.

The Life Altering Stem Cell Therapy Institute is a clinic with the latest therapeutic interventions for diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy patients. Our certified doctors conduct all types of eligibility and clinical trials to create a stem cell treatment plan only for you.

Connect with us and get relief from kidney-related issues. Restore a normal and healthy life with our holistic healthcare.