Stem cells show promise in reversing type 1 diabetes

In June 2023, Peking University researchers successfully reversed type 1 diabetes in a patient, opening the possibility of a universal cure. 

ScienceAlert reports these doctors injected roughly 1.5 million insulin-producing cells into a woman’s abdominal muscles.

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Two and a half months later, her lifelong dependence on injected insulin ended. As a result, the treatment reversed her long-term health condition.

How does the type 1 diabetes trial work?

The treatment uses molecules to revert fully-developed adult tissues into a blank slate called induced pluripotent stem cells. 

Then, these stem cells turn into insulin-producing cells that do not trigger adverse reactions in patients.

In contrast, conventional treatments involve transplanting insulin-producing cell clusters called islets or, in some cases, an entire pancreas.

However, it is a highly dangerous option with a lack of donors, compounded by a lack of donors, which prevents millions from treating their type 1 diabetes worldwide. 

Scientists have tried turning cells into pluripotent stem cells for two decades, but the results varied. 

The PKU researchers claim their method allows them greater control over the outcomes. This led to their testing on a 26-year-old woman who had been suffering from type 1 diabetes since age 14.

As highlighted earlier, her dependence on injected insulin ended two and a half months after the cell transplantation. 

Later, her body produced enough insulin by itself to maintain a safe blood sugar range of over 98 percent daily. 

If she continues to produce insulin in the coming years, healthcare professionals could declare that she’s cured. As a result, these findings could become the world’s first in the scientific community.

ScienceAlert says these findings coincide with other clinical trials that suggest stem cell transplantations have promising possibilities. Consequently, the Peking University researchers stated:

“Overall, the findings support further clinical studies in this direction and mark a step forward in achieving the potential  of personalized cell therapy… to treat disease.”