Currently, healthcare system is facing variety of challenges globally; finding an effective diabetes treatment is one of them. Diabetes is the simplest version of the metabolic diseases with very remote risk factors; which are yet to be pinpointed. The symptoms of this mysterious disease can be controlled but cannot be cured completely. However, the promises made by science of regenerative medicines and stem cells, have given a new hope to the medical fraternity.
Stem cells are the unique
precursor cells of the body, with the great potential to differentiate into
variety of cells, on demand. This property of stem cells can as well be applied
to the diseases like diabetes, wherein human body is in crisis of insulin
producing beta cells; more commonly known as the pancreatic cells. This facet
of regenerative medicine has sparked great interest in many scientists in order
to achieve a hallmark therapy for diabetes with the help of stem cells.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a common form of
autoimmune, metabolic disorders. The human body requires energy, to perform
various complicated functions such as breathing, digestion, etc. The energy is
acquired through carbohydrates or more precisely though glucose molecules.
These glucose molecules are being released into the blood from food via certain
digestive juices. In order to transport this glucose into the cells; a vehicle
is required, which is known to be the insulin. This insulin is produced by the
beta cells of pancreas.In type 2 diabetes, the insulin is either not produced
by the pancreatic beta cells or it cannot utilize the glucose molecules;
whereas in case of type 1 diabetes, pancreatic beta cells are damaged due to
autoimmunity.
Conventional Treatments
Currently, there is as such no
cure available for diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes can atleast be managed
with the consumption of some of the medicines, healthy diet and regular
exercise; on the contrary, type 1 diabetes cannot be controlled unless and until
some hormonal supplements are being taken. If left untreated for the longer
period of time, high blood sugar can cause serious damage to heart, eyes,
kidneys, etc. Thus, an alternative, ambitious treatment, such as stem cell
therapy can be opted to manage the disease symptoms and to reduce the hormonal
dependency.
With the recent advancements of
technology and science, it is now possible to isolate stem cells from various
potential sources; both autologous as well as allogenic. In case of autologous
sources, bone marrow and adipose tissues are known to be the best available
choices, for obtaining hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells. Similarly,
allogenic mesenchymal stem cells can as well be availed; if in case, the higher
number is suggested for infusion. These cells are processed under controlled
conditions, to get enriched in viability and concentration and then can be
infused back into the body. The most trusted route, in case of diabetes
patients is local infusion; directly into the pancreas. Once inside the body,
these cells are known to proliferate and differentiate into desired pancreatic
beta cells to restore the lost function back.
Various clinical data, is
suggesting that with the application of stem cells treatment and with
the implementation of ideal route of administration, the symptoms of diabetes
can be managed with reduced insulin dependency.
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