Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Series

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder, is known to be highly prevalent in people aged 40 -60 years in developing countries whereas in developed countries, it mostly affects people above the age of 60 years. It is of two types: DM type I, an autoimmune disorder that mostly onsets after an infection and DM type II that is commonly associated with obesity. Several treatments are available for the treatment of DM, but none has successfully cured diabetes. Nowadays, stem cell therapy is being investigated for use in the treatment of DM and has shown positive results. Case Report: Our study presented results of three diabetic patients who were treated with human embryonic stem cell (hESC) therapy. Following the therapy, blood glucose levels were reduced. An improvement was observed in eye sight, stamina, gait pattern endurance, mental focus ability and muscle strength. There was a reduction in secondary side effects of high blood sugar such as affectation of cardiac, kidneys, polyneuropathy, vision etc. No adverse events and teratoma formation were observed after the treatment. Conclusion: It was concluded that hESCs showed good therapeutic potential in the treatment of patients with diabetes.

Embryonic Stem Cells: Where Do We Stand at the Moment?

“…Regeneration of tissue-engineered tracheal airway was trialled in one human study with 15 months follow-up and showed complete epitheliali-sation on endoscopy (54). Several reviews by Greeta Shroff and colleagues (55)(56)(57)(58)(59)(60) noted the potential use of ESCs treatments. In the case of a 65-year-old male patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) treated with human embryonic stem cell (hESC) significant improvement was noted in the reduction of tremor, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back, as well as improvement in the range of neck movement.…”

“…Improved vision, endurance, mental focus and muscle strength were observed. After treatment, undesirable effects and teratoma development have not been reported (56). Research on treatment options for spinal cord injuries (SCI) has been shifted to cellular therapies.…”