Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes in Mexico

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus (DM), more commonly known as diabetes, is a metabolic disorder in which the body loses control over the levels of glucose present in the blood (blood sugar).This happens if the body stops making sufficient insulin or is not utilizing it the way it should (insulin controls metabolism by effecting absorption of excess glucose in the blood.)

As a result, excess sugar stays in the blood. Increased blood sugar levels over a period of time could trigger several health issues. In both the types of diabetes discussed below the common important factor is lack of functional beta cells (β-cells).

What are Beta Cells (β-cells)?

✔  ​These are a kind of cells found in pancreatic islets.

✔​  Their main function is storing and releasing insulin.

✔​  Beta cells are sensitive to blood sugar levels and are known to react to abrupt increase in blood sugar levels by letting out some of the already stored insulin while at the same time producing more.

Numerous studies suggest regeneration of stem cells into beta-cells. Researchers at Harvard University and the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have reported success in producing insulin-secreting cells from stem cells.¹ Researchers Douglas A Melton et al² have commented that “the generation of an unlimited supply of human beta cells could extend this therapy to millions of new patients...”

Common Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of your immune system attacking the beta cells in the pancreas responsible for production of insulin. Because of this, the body stops making insulin. Type 1 diabetes typically affects children and young adults. People with it need to take insulin every single day to keep their bodies working. It is also known as juvenile diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

The more common type of diabetes, it results in the body either not making insulin or not utilizing it properly. One may develop type 2 diabetes at any age, although it is more common in middle-aged and older people.

Symptoms

Diabetes-Related Health Problems

Lack of control over blood sugar levels can be quite damaging. Some of the complications associated with diabetes include:

✔​  Cardiovascular Diseases: Angina, heart attack, stroke, and narrowed arteries

✔​  Damage to Nerves: Resulting in tingling sensation, numbness in toes and fingers, and even erectile dysfunction

✔​  Damage to Kidneys: Irreversible kidney disease requiring dialysis or even a transplant

✔  ​Damage to Eyes: Diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma

✔  ​Damage to Foot: Poor blood circulation to foot, severe foot infections requiring amputations

✔​  Hearing Problems: Hearing impairment

✔​  Dermatological Problems: Skin problems caused by bacteria and fungi

✔  ​Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s

How Stem Cells Help in Diabetes?

✔​  We have the technology to isolate sufficient number of useful stem cells (autologous or allogenic) and re-administering it into the body.

✔​  This is done either through an IV or by directly infusing them into the targeted site.

✔​  On re-entering the body, the stem cells are known to colonize in the damaged parts of the pancreas.

✔​  The donor cells are known to release paracrine factors, and differentiate into beta cells, initiate the process of new blood vessel formation, and also trigger secretion of new immune cells for counteracting the autoimmune system.

Stem cell therapy can make diabetes more manageable for you.

References:

1. Washington University School of Medicine. (2016, May 10). Stem cells from diabetic patients coaxed to become insulin-secreting cells: If damaged cells are replaceable, type 1 diabetics wouldn’t need insulin shots. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 27, 2017 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160510132809.htm
2. Tucker, Miriam E. (October 13, 2014) Is New Stem-Cell Research Major Step Toward Diabetes Cure? Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/833131 on January 30, 2017.