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.
