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
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