Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin, or because cells show no response to the insulin. This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger).

Principles of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes

Stem cells have pluripotent differentiation potential. Under specific induction conditions, they can differentiate into pancreatic islet β – cells. These newly generated pancreatic islet β – cells can, just like normal pancreatic islet β – cells, sense changes in blood glucose concentration and secrete insulin as needed, thereby regulating blood sugar levels.

The development of diabetes is related to immune system abnormalities. Stem cells can inhibit the autoimmune response by secreting various cytokines and regulating the functions of immune cells. This reduces damage to pancreatic islet β – cells and creates a favorable immune environment for the repair and regeneration of endogenous pancreatic islet β – cells.

Stem cells can secrete multiple angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, which promotes angiogenesis in pancreatic islet tissue. This improves the blood supply to the islets, provides sufficient oxygen and nutrients to pancreatic islet β – cells, and is conducive to the maintenance and exertion of their functions.

Stem cells can secrete various cytokines and growth factors, such as insulin – like growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor. These factors can promote the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of pancreatic islet β – cells. At the same time, they can also improve insulin resistance and enhance the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

We started clinical application of using stem cell transplantation to treat diabetes since our department’s clinical trial registration was approved by the WHO in April, 2010. (Registration number of stem cell transplantation to treat type 1 diabetes: ChiCTR-TNC-10000986; registration number of stem cell transplantation to treat type 2 diabetes: ChiCTR-ONC-10000985).

Till the end of 2016, our department treated more than 508 patients of type 2 diabetes, and the treatment is effective to over 93% of patients, and 60% of patients have a better blood glucose control with half dose of the insulin than before. After the first course of treatment, 30% of patients can stop using insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Based on our clinical experience and data, if the patient has a better improvement in glycemic control and complications after the first course of treatment, it is recommended that the patient receive a second course of treatment after 6 months to achieve a consistently stable improvement. Clinically, the treatment methods of intravenous infusion and vascular intervention are mainly used. Today, more and more patients, including foreigners, are receiving treatment.

Possible improvements after treatment mainly on:

* Improvements after stem cell treatment vary from patient to patient and we do not make any guarantees.

Cases

Appointment