A group of Chinese scientists has made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes by using an innovative method using stem cells. The results of this revolutionary study were published in the scientific journal Cell and covered in Nature, writes daily.afisha.ru.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized not only by a lack of insulin, but also by the aggressive destruction by the immune system of the beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for producing this hormone.
In June 2023, a patient from Tianjin underwent a unique operation to transplant her own reprogrammed stem cells into the abdominal muscles. The procedure took less than 30 minutes.
After only 10 weeks, the woman's body regained the ability to independently produce insulin in the required amount. This effect has been maintained for over a year. During this time, the patient's dangerous fluctuations in blood glucose levels have ceased, and now they remain normal 98% of the time. The patient herself notes that she can now indulge in sweets and enjoy a variety of foods.
Two more patients are currently undergoing the same treatment, and doctors report “very positive” preliminary results. These patients will be followed until November. The study’s leader, Dr. Deng Hongkui, plans to expand the program to 10 to 20 participants.
This study follows the success of colleagues in Shanghai, who in April reported a successful transplant of cells into the liver of a 59 years old man with type 2 diabetes, also using stem cells.
Despite the promising results, experts urge caution. University of Miami endocrinologist Jay Skyler emphasizes the need for long-term follow-up of patients, suggesting a five-year period to fully assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
