What causes type 1 diabetes?
The human body is constantly regulating the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, since levels that are either too high or too low can be harmful. When blood glucose levels begin to rise (e.g. after we eat), cells in the pancreas called beta cells quickly respond by releasing insulin, a hormone that tells cells in the body to take up glucose from the blood. Type 1 diabetes is generally caused by a lack of functioning beta cells. With this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys beta cells. When they are depleted, the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. This differs from type 2 diabetes, in which your body’s cells do not take up enough glucose because they have become resistant to insulin.

High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the kidneys, eyes, nervous system, and other organs. Fortunately, stem cells can help replace or replenish beta cells.

How stem cells help with type-1 diabetes
Before the advent of stem cell therapy, the most effective treatment for type 1 diabetes was a beta-cell transplant. The procedure involves taking beta cells from a donor’s pancreas and transferring them to the diabetes patient, where the beta cells are expected to make and release insulin. This treatment has several caveats. Firstly, each transplant needs at least two million beta cells, which need to be taken from 2-3 donors. Secondly, patients need to take immunosuppressive drugs so that their bodies don’t reject the transplanted cells, and these drugs often have side effects that decrease quality of life. Lastly, there is a chance that the transplanted cells may eventually stop working.

Stem cell therapy for diabetes aims to increase the population of functional beta cells in the body without the disadvantages of a beta-cell transplant. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have no genetic imprint, so they do not trigger the immune response, and their transplant does not require immunosuppressive drugs. Upon introduction into a patient, the MSCs can repair and regenerate beta cells. If the population of beta cells is restored, the development of diabetes complications can be slowed or even prevented.

*Typical Treatment Protocol
A typical protocol consists of intravenous transplant of 100+ million cord tissue-derived MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells). The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. The protocol is minimally invasive to the patient and has very little downtime. Patients normally travel home two days following their scheduled appointment.

Treatment goals
Our protocol aims to reduce the overall levels of chronic low-grade inflammation in the body. The effects are expected to last for a very long time.

Stem cells are uniquely and intrinsically able to migrate to sites of damage and inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that stem cells are able to orchestrate the repair and regeneration of deteriorated tissues, as well as modulate the immune system, to promote better health.

The benefits of stem cell therapy can include a reduction in harmful symptoms, the slowing of the progression of the disease, and an overall increase in quality of life.

*Treatment protocols are individualized for each patient according to a variety of factors, including overall patient health, condition, and severity. A protocol optimized for your particular situation will be developed in consultation with a stem cell physician and a review of your medical records.