by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 25, 2025 | Diabetes
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.
Without enough insulin, glucose (blood sugar) cannot enter the body’s cells to produce energy, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and long-term health complications.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Sudden, unintended weight loss
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds or recurrent infections
Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, which can be influenced by lifestyle factors, Type 1 Diabetes is not caused by diet or inactivity and often appears in childhood or adolescence — though adults can develop it too.
Current Treatment Approaches
At present, there is no cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
Standard care focuses on maintaining stable blood sugar levels and preventing complications.
Conventional Management Includes:
- Insulin therapy: Daily injections or insulin-pump use.
- Blood-glucose monitoring: Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) or finger-stick testing.
- Nutrition and exercise planning: Balanced diet, carbohydrate counting, and regular activity.
- Comprehensive medical support: Endocrinology follow-up, eye and kidney screening, and diabetes education.
While these methods are lifesaving, they do not address the underlying immune attack or regenerate lost beta cells, which is why regenerative medicine research is expanding rapidly in this field.
Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Therapy: A New Frontier
Regenerative medicine aims to repair or replace damaged tissue, offering a path toward restoring the body’s own insulin production. Stem cell research, including umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs) and stem cell-derived pancreatic islet cells, is showing measurable progress.
Potential Benefits Under Study
Stem cell-based therapies are being investigated for their ability to:
- Replace or regenerate insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas
- Regulate immune activity to slow or stop autoimmune destruction
- Restore natural insulin secretion and improve blood-sugar control
- Reduce risk of long-term complications such as neuropathy or kidney damage
Among these, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) stand out for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, making them a promising supportive therapy alongside conventional care.
Note: Stem cell and islet-cell therapies for Type 1 Diabetes are currently investigational and not FDA-approved. Participation in clinical trials or specialized programs should always be discussed with qualified medical professionals.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Medicine for Type 1 Diabetes
2025 – Stem Cell-Derived Islets Restore Insulin Production
Title: Stem Cell-Derived, Fully Differentiated Islets for Type 1 Diabetes
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
A 2025 Phase 1/2 trial tested lab-grown pancreatic islet cells (therapy name: zimslecel, formerly VX-880) infused into the liver of people with T1D.
After one year, all participants produced their own insulin, and 83% became insulin-independent by day 365. Average HbA₁c levels fell below 7%, and no severe hypoglycemia occurred.
Researchers concluded that stem cell-derived islet therapy can safely restore insulin production and normalize blood-sugar control in T1D patients.
2023 – Umbilical Cord MSCs Preserve Insulin Secretion
Title: Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Preserve Endogenous Insulin Production in Type 1 Diabetes
Journal: Diabetologia (Springer) – Full Text
Summary:
In this Phase I/II double-blind trial (Sweden), adults with newly diagnosed T1D received a single infusion of allogeneic UCT-MSCs.
After 12 months, the MSC group retained nearly all of their own insulin production (~10% decline), whereas the placebo group lost ~47%.
Treated patients did not require higher insulin doses over the year, and no serious side effects occurred.
Researchers concluded that UCT-MSC therapy is safe and may slow autoimmune beta-cell loss in early T1D.
2022 – Co-Transplantation Protects Against Complications
Title: Prevention of Chronic Diabetic Complications by Co-Transplantation of Umbilical Cord MSCs and Autologous Bone Marrow
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
Patients with long-standing T1D received a combination of donor UCT-MSCs plus their own bone-marrow cells.
After 8 years, only 14% of treated patients developed nerve, kidney, or eye damage compared to 73% of controls.
No safety issues were reported. The study suggested that co-transplantation significantly reduced long-term organ complications and may protect vascular and nerve health in T1D.
2021 – Repeat UCT-MSC Infusions Support Partial Remission
Title: Repeated Transplantation of Allogeneic Umbilical Cord MSCs in Type 1 Diabetes
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
In this open-label controlled study, 27 patients received two IV UCT-MSC infusions (at baseline and 3 months).
After one year, 40.7% of treated patients achieved clinical remission (increased insulin production) vs 11.5% of controls.
Three patients became temporarily insulin-free for 3–12 months, while none in the control group did. No severe adverse events occurred, confirming the therapy’s favorable safety profile.
Could Stem Cell Therapy Be Right for You?
Stem cell-based approaches for Type 1 Diabetes may be worth exploring if you:
- Were recently diagnosed and want to preserve remaining beta-cell function
- Have long-standing T1D and seek new ways to reduce complications
- Prefer a non-surgical, biologic approach aligned with ongoing medical care
- Wish to learn about clinical research and future treatment possibilities
At Stemedix, our regenerative medicine team reviews each patient’s medical history, labs, and goals to see if biologic therapies might complement standard endocrine care. Our focus is on education, safety, and personalized treatment planning.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Stem cell and islet cell therapies for Type 1 Diabetes are investigational and not FDA-approved. Results vary between individuals. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before pursuing new therapeutic options.
References
- Pagliuca F. et al. Stem Cell-Derived Islets for Type 1 Diabetes. PubMed., 2025. Full Text
- Korsgren O. et al. Umbilical Cord MSC Infusion Preserves Insulin Production in T1D. Diabetologia., 2023. Full Text
- Hu J. et al. Co-Transplantation of UCT-MSCs and Bone Marrow Prevents Complications in T1D. PubMed., 2022. Full Text
- Wang S. et al. Repeated Umbilical Cord MSC Infusions in Type 1 Diabetes. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2021. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 25, 2025 | Diabetes
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder in which the body becomes resistant to insulin, the hormone that moves glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells for energy.
Over time, the pancreas may also produce less insulin, leading to rising blood sugar and widespread cellular stress.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Frequent urination and increased thirst
- Fatigue or low energy
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing wounds or frequent infections
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
T2D is often linked to genetic factors, diet, stress, and physical inactivity, but it can occur even in people of healthy weight.
When blood sugar stays high for years, it can damage blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys, increasing risks of heart disease and neuropathy.
Current Treatment Options
Standard care focuses on keeping blood sugar within target range and reducing the risk of complications.
Conventional Management May Include:
- Lifestyle interventions: nutrient-dense diet, regular exercise, stress management
- Oral medications: metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and others
- Insulin therapy: added if oral drugs aren’t enough
- Routine monitoring: blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose control
- Weight-management programs or bariatric surgery in select cases
These therapies can effectively manage symptoms and delay complications, but they don’t repair damaged cells or restore insulin sensitivity at a biologic level, which is where regenerative medicine comes in.
Regenerative Medicine & Metabolic Repair
Regenerative medicine is an emerging field that seeks to restore healthy cellular function rather than only manage symptoms.
For Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic syndrome, the focus is on repairing insulin pathways, reducing inflammation, and supporting pancreatic and vascular health.
How Stem Cell and Biologic Therapies May Help
Research suggests that umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs) and related biologics can:
- Reduce insulin resistance by lowering systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
- Protect and repair pancreatic β-cells, helping them produce insulin more effectively
- Enhance glucose uptake in muscle and liver cells for better energy use
- Improve microcirculation to protect organs affected by diabetes
- Support metabolic balance and fat-to-energy conversion
Note: Stem cell therapy for Type 2 Diabetes is not FDA-approved and is considered investigational. However, peer-reviewed studies show promising improvements in glucose control, insulin sensitivity, and organ function.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes
2024 – Umbilical Cord MSC Infusion Improves Glucose Control
Title: Allogeneic Umbilical Cord MSC Infusion for Type 2 Diabetes: A Phase II Randomized Trial
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
Eighty adults with T2D received either standard care or two IV UCT-MSC infusions (1 month apart). At 12 months, the MSC group showed a mean HbA₁c reduction of 1.6%, improved C-peptide levels, and lower insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). No severe adverse events occurred. The authors concluded that UC-MSC therapy was safe and offered “clinically meaningful metabolic improvement.”
2022 – Stem Cell Co-Therapy Enhances Pancreatic Function
Title: Umbilical Cord MSC Transplantation Combined with Metformin Improves β-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes
Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology – Full Text
Summary:
Fifty patients with poorly controlled T2D were assigned to receive metformin alone or metformin plus IV UC-MSC infusions. After one year, the combination group showed higher C-peptide levels (indicating restored insulin production) and better blood-sugar control with fewer daily insulin requirements. No major side effects occurred. Researchers concluded that MSC therapy can synergize with standard drugs to enhance β-cell preservation.
2021 – Improved Organ Protection and Inflammation Reduction
Title: Systemic Infusion of UC-MSCs Reduces Inflammation and Improves Liver and Kidney Function in Diabetes
Journal: Journal of Translational Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
In this multi-center study, patients with Type 2 Diabetes received a single dose of allogeneic UC-MSCs. Within 6 months, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, CRP) fell by over 40%, and kidney and liver enzymes returned closer to normal ranges. Patients reported better energy levels and sleep quality. Investigators concluded that MSC therapy may help reduce systemic inflammation and protect organs affected by metabolic disease.
Could Regenerative Therapy Be Right for You?
You may wish to learn more about regenerative options if you:
- Have Type 2 Diabetes that remains hard to control despite medications
- Want to support long-term pancreatic and vascular health
- Are interested in non-surgical, biologic approaches to improve metabolism
- Seek to reduce future risks of neuropathy, retinopathy, or kidney damage
At Stemedix, our specialists use a personalized approach to evaluate whether cell-based therapy may complement standard diabetes care plans. Our goal is to support metabolic balance and overall well-being through evidence-informed biologic science.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Stem cell therapy for Type 2 Diabetes is investigational and not FDA-approved. Results vary by individual. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any new therapy.
References
- Zhou J. et al. Allogeneic Umbilical Cord MSC Infusion for Type 2 Diabetes: Phase II Trial. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2024. Full Text
- Liu S. et al. UC-MSC + Metformin Improve β-Cell Function in T2D. Front Endocrinol., 2022. Full Text
- Chen H. et al. Systemic UC-MSC Infusion Reduces Inflammation and Improves Organ Function in Diabetes. J Transl Med., 2021. Full Text
by admin | Apr 4, 2024 | Diabetes, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. Numerous studies have demonstrated that people with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing both acute and chronic pancreatitis, which increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Considering the lack of effective therapeutic options for pancreatitis and the limited treatment options for diabetes, researchers have recently turned to the potential of using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as alternative therapeutic treatment options for these conditions.
In this review, Scuteri and Monfrini evaluate the different uses of MSCs for both the treatment of diabetes and the reduction of diabetes-related disease development.
According to the authors, MSCs offer several advantages, including the ability to be isolated from different tissues in a simple way, the ability to be easily harvested and expanded in vitro, and the absence of ethical problems associated with harvesting and use.
In addition, MSCs demonstrate the ability to differentiate, release soluble factors, and migrate toward lesions and sites of inflammation. Considering that inflammation and apoptosis are significant etiopathological factors of diabetes and pancreatitis, Scuteri and Monfrini indicate that MSCs are excellent candidates for regenerative medicine purposes.
In the case of MSCs and diabetes, research has demonstrated that differentiation of MSCs into insulin-releasing cells has been demonstrated in vitro after direct contact with pancreatic islets; the release of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant factors has improved the engraftment and prolonged the survival of transplanted pancreatic islets; and inhibited the apoptotic pathways triggered by endoplasmic reticulum stress in transplanted pancreatic islets. In analyzing this research, the authors conclude that the potential exists for the safe and effective use of MSCs for treatment of diabetes.
Although there has been growing interest in exploring the potential of MSCs on pancreatitis, there have only been a few studies exploring this therapeutic option. In these studies, the presence of MSCs was observed to reduce fibrosis and parenchymal damage by reducing proinflammatory factor expression.
In regard to MSCs and pancreatic cancer, since diabetes and pancreatitis are risk factors for the development of pancreatic cancer and considering MSCs have been found to hold potential as a therapeutic option for these diseases, using MSCs to interrupt the flow of factors leading to the development of pancreatic cancer should lower the incidence of diabetes-related pancreatic cancers.
The authors conclude that MSCs are a very promising therapeutic option for the treatment of diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer.
Source: “Progress in exosomes and their potential use in ocular diseases.” 18 Sep. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7459212/.
by admin | Dec 28, 2023 | Diabetes, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious health condition characterized by progressive deterioration in glycemic control resulting from decreased insulin sensitivity and diminished insulin secretion. Currently, it is estimated that over 462 million people worldwide are affected by T2DM.
While diet, physical exercise, and glucose-lowering medications have been shown to improve hyperglycemia, the results have been temporary and have not been able to inhibit the pathogenesis or reduce the morbidity associated with this condition.
With the need for more effective approaches for the treatment of T2DM to be developed, Zang et al. conducted this single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase II trial study to explore the efficacy and safety of intravenous infusion of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in Chinese patients with T2DM.
MSCs are a type of adult stem cell that exhibits profound anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator capacities. Considering the successful application of MSCs in a number of autoimmune diseases, including stroke, myocardial infarction, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, the authors hypothesized that MSC transplantation might also be a therapeutic option for the treatment of T2DM.
Specifically for this study, the authors randomly assigned 91 patients to receive intravenous infusion of UC-MSCs or placebo three times at 4-week intervals and followed up for 48 weeks over a period of three years.
The primary endpoint established for this study was the percentage of patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of < 7.0% and daily insulin reduction of > 50% at 48 weeks; additional established endpoints included changes of metabolic control, insulin resistance, and safety.
At the end of the 48-week follow-up period, Zang et al. report that 20% of patients in the US-MSCs group and 4.55% reached the primary endpoint with the percentage of insulin reduction of the UC-MSCs group being significantly higher than that of the placebo group. The authors also reported that the glucose infusion rate (GIR) increased significantly in the UC-MSCs group while there was no significant observed change in the placebo group. There were also no major UC-MSC transplantation-related adverse events reported during this study.
While these results are promising, the authors point out that since the age, course of T2DM, condition of the islet β-cell function, and insulin resistance of the enrolled subjects were highly heterogeneous, the results of this study could not be extended to all patients with T2DM. The authors also call for additional long-term follow-up to validate their initial, short-term findings as well as for future well-controlled studies with an increased number of cases to better clarify the efficacy and safety of intravenous infusion of UC-MSCs for the treatment of T2DM.
The authors conclude this study by suggesting intravenous infusion of UC-MSCs administration is a safe and effective approach that could reduce exogenous insulin requirements alleviate insulin resistance and be a potential therapeutic option for patients with T2DM.
Source: Zang, L., Li, Y., Hao, H. et al. Efficacy and safety of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes: a single-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled phase II trial. Stem Cell Res Ther 13, 180 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-022-02848-6
by admin | Apr 28, 2023 | Diabetes, Health Awareness, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Therapy
Diabetes is one of the most common conditions in the world, affecting more than 37 million people in the United States alone.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your body’s ability to process glucose, resulting in high blood sugar levels. An estimated 96 million people have prediabetes, meaning they could soon be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
To avoid a diabetes diagnosis, it is important that you can recognize early indicators of the disease. The following are some signs that may mean you have diabetes:
Excessive Urination
One of the earliest signs of diabetes is excessive and unusual urination. When you have diabetes, your body does not use sugar properly. The sugar collects in your blood, and your kidneys go into overdrive to remove it from the body. Your overworking kidneys lead to the constant urge to urinate.
Increased Thirst
With increased urination, you will start to experience increased thirst. Constant urination can cause your body to become dehydrated, and you will feel parched, even if you drink an adequate amount for your body weight.
Weight Loss
Another early indicator of diabetes is extreme and unintentional weight loss. If you’ve noticed that you are losing a lot of weight without really trying to, you may have diabetes. For some people, this can be as much as 10 pounds in one month.
This weight loss occurs because your body is not processing glucose as it should be. Your cells become starved for glucose or energy and begin to find it elsewhere, causing you to burn fat at a rapid pace.
Diabetes Treatments
If you are experiencing these symptoms or other concerns, you may have diabetes or prediabetes. To get a proper diagnosis, speak to your regular physician. There are many treatment options for diabetes.
Some are exploring regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy for diabetes is a potential treatment approach that involves the use of stem cells to generate new insulin-producing cells that can help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Stem cells are cells that have the ability to differentiate into different cell types and can also self-renew and studies have shown that stem cells can differentiate into insulin-producing cells.
by admin | Jan 5, 2023 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Diabetes, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy, Umbilical Stem Cell, Wharton's Jelly
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent fibroblast-like cells found throughout the body and have been found to have self-renewing and multilinear therapeutic potential by providing new cells for tissue repair by replacing damaged cells.
Thought to stimulate repair and control the immune response through an expression of growth factors and other cytokines, MSCs are at low risk of rejection and repair tissue damage through immunomodulation, not by their ability to differentiate.
While MSCs can be isolated from a number of tissue sources, including bone marrow, peripheral blood, adipose (fat) tissue, umbilical cord blood, and umbilical cord tissue (Wharton’s jelly). MSCs derived from the human umbilical cords (UCMSCs) have been found to have significant advantages over MSCs isolated from other sources. These advantages include higher proliferation and self-renewal capacity and multilineage differentiation capability.
Unlike many sources of MSCs, the umbilical cord is considered medical waste, making the collection of UCMSCs noninvasive and eliminating ethical concerns associated with the collection of MSCs from other sources. These UCMSCs have been developed as effective “off-the-shelf” cell therapy for a number of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, and as a treatment for a number of emergency medical conditions.
This Phase 1 clinical study, designed and conducted by Chin et al., intended to determine the safety and efficacy of intravenous allogeneic infusion of UCMSCs in healthy volunteers and to determine the effective dose at which an immunomodulatory effect is observed. The findings of this study are intended to serve as a guideline and benchmark for future CVL-100 clinical research.
Analyzing the results of this clinical study, the authors report that there was no observed complication resulting from the infusion and no significant adverse event in either dosage group in the 6 months of follow-up. These findings led Chin et al. to conclude that UCMSCs infusion was safe among healthy subjects, results that were consistent with other UCMSC treatment-based studies.
The authors also reported that UCMSCs infusion posed no significant adverse effects in patients with type 2 diabetes. Despite the relatively small sample group of this study (11 subjects), the authors reported demonstrating an initial transient proinflammatory effect followed by a significant and prolonged anti-inflammatory effect.
In addition, Chin et al. report found that high-dose (HD) CLV-1000 infusion provided a significant increase in both hemoglobin level and MCV level that falls within the normal range. Biomarker assessment results also indicated that the HD group demonstrated a significant steady increase of cytokine IL-1RA from baseline up until 6 months of posttreatment. This finding is especially important as IL-1RA is a naturally occurring antagonist to the proinflammatory cytokine 1L-1.
The authors conclude that this study clearly demonstrates a difference in immunomodulatory effect between the high-dose and low-dose treatment groups, with the HD group demonstrating a significantly greater reduction of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and an increased level of specific anti-inflammatory cytokines within 6 months and in relation to those in the low dose group. Considering this, Chin et al. conclude that a CLV-100 dosage of two million MSCs per kilogram of body weight represents the optimal dose level for overcoming inflammatory conditions by displaying the best improvement in all parameters tested, absence of side effects, and SAEs.
The data collected in this study also suggests that this is the first study to report a significant reduction of globulin observed over the course of the study. This is important because globulin serves an important role in immunity. Additionally, increases in serum globulins are associated with several immune-mediated diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic liver disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer.
Considering these findings, the authors of this study conclude that high doses of allogeneic MSCs could help exert beneficial effects of repair and healing.
Source: “High Dose of Intravenous Allogeneic Umbilical Cord-Derived ….” https://www.hindawi.com/journals/sci/2020/8877003/.
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