Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes: Success Rate, How It Works, and Key Benefits

In 2024, stem cell therapy made headlines when a woman’s diabetes, thought untreatable, was reversed. Could this be the long-awaited cure?

This article explores how stem cell therapy can help with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, backed by clinical trials, expert insights, and real-world outcomes. Stick around to uncover how this revolutionary therapy could change your life—or the life of someone you love.

Table of Contents

1. Stem Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: Success Rate
2. Stem Cell Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: Success Rate
3. Can Stem Cell Therapy Cure Diabetes Mellitus?
4. How Stem Cell Therapy Works for Diabetes
5. Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes
6. Stem Cell Types Used to Treat Diabetes
7. Stem Cell Therapy Procedure
8. Risks and Side Effects of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes
9. FAQ
10. Key Takeaways

Stem Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: Success Rate

Stem cell therapy is redefining possibilities for type 1 diabetes, a condition long believed to be incurable. Clinical trials now show that stem cell treatments can restore insulin production, improve blood sugar control, and even eliminate the need for insulin injections.

Clinical trial results

👉 Restoring insulin production

Stem cell-derived islet cells successfully reactivated the ability to produce insulin in patients whose bodies had stopped making it. 

• In one trial, all patients who received a stem cell infusion began producing insulin within 3 months.
• A patient with no detectable insulin production before therapy showed measurable levels post-treatment, indicating the pancreas was functioning again.

👉 Improved blood sugar control
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a key marker of long-term blood sugar control; the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends levels below 7%. In the study, most patients reached this target, a significant improvement from dangerous levels before treatment.

👉 Reduced or eliminated insulin use
11 out of 12 patients reduced their reliance on insulin injections, with some becoming fully insulin-independent. One patient reduced daily insulin use by 91% within 90 days.

Groundbreaking success story

In 2024, for the first time in history, scientists managed to reverse a patient’s type 1 diabetes with the help of stem cell-derived beta cells.

👉 Sustained insulin independence. Within 2.5 months, the patient no longer needed insulin injections. At 1 year, she maintained insulin-free status.

👉 Dramatic blood sugar improvement. Before treatment, the patient’s blood sugar stayed within a healthy range only 43% of the time. Four months after stem cell therapy, this soared to 96%, meaning her blood sugar was stable nearly all the time.

👉 Improved glucose metabolism. The patient’s glycated hemoglobin levels (an indicator of glucose control) reached non-diabetic levels.

Stem Cell Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: Success Rate

Type 2 diabetes, associated with insulin resistance and pancreatic decline, has traditionally been managed through medications. However, stem cell therapy can potentially restore the human body’s ability to regulate blood sugar naturally. Recent studies demonstrate insulin independence and long-term improvements in pancreatic function.

Clinical trial results

👉 Improved blood sugar control
In a review of clinical trials, 70% of patients with type II diabetes showed significant improvements in glucose levels after mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. These improvements persisted throughout the 12-month follow-up period.

👉 C-peptide levels stabilized
C-peptide levels—a marker of insulin production—remained in the normal range for 12 months after a single stem cell dose. This means the pancreas was restored to a more normal function, reducing the need for external insulin.

Groundbreaking case study

A remarkable case from Shanghai showcases the potential of stem cell therapy to effectively "cure" type II diabetes. A man with 25 years of diabetes underwent a stem cell treatment after experiencing declining pancreatic function and relying on daily insulin injections.

• The patient achieved insulin independence within 11 weeks.
• Over the next year, the patient gradually discontinued oral diabetes medications.

Follow-up exams confirmed restored pancreatic function and normal kidney function, suggesting a long-term cure for type 2 diabetes.

Can Stem Cell Therapy Cure Diabetes Mellitus?

In some recent individual cases, stem cell therapy has effectively cured diabetes mellitus. Patients have regained insulin production, achieved insulin independence, and maintained normal glucose levels. However, these cases are exceptional and still under study.

Although not a guaranteed cure, stem cell therapy can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce reliance on insulin.

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How Stem Cell Therapy Works for Diabetes

Stem cells are the body’s building blocks. They are special human cells that can:

• transform into other cell types, including insulin-producing beta cells;
• repair and regenerate damaged tissues;
• self-renew, making copies of themselves indefinitely and ensuring a steady supply of new cells.

Unlike other cells in your body, which have fixed roles, stem cells can adapt to become whatever the body needs. Stem cell therapy for diabetes works by:

1️⃣ Replacing damaged insulin-producing beta cells

Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin (type 1) or the body can’t use insulin effectively (type 2). Insulin is the hormone that helps regulate glucose levels.

Stem cells can be transformed into islet beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. These new beta cells replace the damaged or non-functioning ones.

2️⃣ Regulating blood sugar levels

The newly created islet beta cells begin producing insulin, helping the body:

• stabilize glucose levels;
• reduce or eliminate the need for insulin injections.

In successful cases, these beta cells work just like natural pancreatic cells, responding to blood sugar changes and releasing the right amount of insulin.

3️⃣ Reducing insulin resistance

In type 2 diabetes, the body often becomes resistant to insulin, making it harder for cells to absorb glucose. Stem cells release anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors that repair damaged tissues and improve how cells respond to insulin.

4️⃣ Repairing pancreatic function

Since stem cells have regenerative properties, they can repair damaged tissues in the pancreas. This can restore the organ’s natural ability to produce insulin over time.

5️⃣ Modulating the immune system

For type 1 diabetes, where immune cells attack insulin-producing beta cells, certain types of stem cells (like mesenchymal stem cells) can help regulate the immune system response. This protects the newly introduced beta cells from being destroyed again.

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Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes

👍 Restoring natural insulin production. Unlike medications or insulin injections that only manage blood sugar levels, stem cell therapy renews insulin production by replacing damaged beta cells.

👍 Achieving insulin independence. Patients may reduce their insulin intake by 91%-100% after stem cell therapy. 

👍 A long-term solution. Stem cell therapy offers lasting benefits, with studies showing stable insulin production and blood sugar control maintained for at least 12 months after treatment.

👍 A minimally invasive approach. Compared to pancreas transplants, which require major surgery and lifelong immunosuppressants, stem cell therapy is far less invasive. Treatments typically involve injections, require minimal recovery, and present fewer risks.

👍 Targeting the root cause. While other treatments address symptoms, stem cell therapy tackles the underlying issues—repairing the pancreas and restoring its ability to regulate blood sugar naturally.

Stem Cell Types Used to Treat Diabetes

Stem cell therapy uses different stem cell types, each with unique strengths, for treating diabetes mellitus:

1️⃣ Embryonic stem cells (ESCs)

Human embryonic stem cells are highly versatile because they can transform into any cell type, including insulin-producing beta cells. They can replicate indefinitely, offering a renewable source for treatment. 

Although embryonic stem cells are typically taken from discarded embryos after failed IVF attempts, their origin may raise ethical concerns in some patients. Their use also involves a higher risk of an immune response.

2️⃣ Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

iPSCs are adult cells reprogrammed to act like ESCs, avoiding ethical issues. Because they can be made from a patient’s own cells, the risk of immune rejection is minimal. However, creating these cells is complex and costly, and their stability during treatment remains a challenge.

3️⃣ Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

Mesenchymal stem cells are a type of adult stem cell found in bone marrow, fat, and umbilical cords. They are easy to harvest and expand in the lab. These multipotent cells can repair damaged pancreatic tissues, reduce inflammation, support islet cell function, and improve insulin sensitivity. They also regulate the immune system, helping protect new insulin-producing cells from immune attack.

Compare each stem cell type’s pros and cons in the table below:

Stem Cell Therapy Procedure

1️⃣ Stem cell collection
Stem cells can come from a donor (through a stem cell bank) or from the patient’s own tissues, such as bone marrow or fat. Doctors extract bone marrow by inserting a needle into the pelvic bone. On the other hand, fat tissue can be collected through liposuction. Both procedures are low-impact and cause minor discomfort.

2️⃣ Stem cell preparation
After collection, the stem cells undergo processing in a laboratory. They are separated and cultured in a controlled environment to grow and multiply.

Embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be transformed into insulin-producing beta cells before injection.

3️⃣ Administration
Stem cells can be introduced into the body through:

• Subcutaneous injection. Doctors inject stem cells under the skin, often near the abdominal area, so that they can reach the pancreas.
• Intravenous (IV) infusion. This method delivers stem cells directly into the bloodstream, enabling them to travel to the pancreas and other areas requiring repair.

4️⃣ Monitoring and recovery
Patients are monitored after the procedure to ensure the cells function as expected. Doctors track improvements in insulin production and blood sugar control. The treatment requires little to no downtime, with most patients resuming normal activities within a day.

Risks and Side Effects of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes

According to studies, stem cell therapy is generally safe, with most side effects being mild and temporary. Some studies report the following side effects:

• Injection or infusion reactions. Mild redness, swelling, or discomfort, resolving within a few days.
• Temporary gastrointestinal issues. Abdominal distension and loss of appetite, lasting 4–8 weeks and relieved with medication.
• Mild weight loss. Some patients reported a restorable weight loss (around 5% of body weight).
• Nausea and vomiting. Rarely observed in some studies, mild and temporary.
• Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar levels were noted in rare cases, likely due to improved insulin production.

💚 The best way to minimize risks associated with stem cell-derived therapies is to choose a reputable clinic with experienced professionals. Bookimed works exclusively with verified medical centers and can help you find a trusted clinic that fits your budget.

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FAQ

Is there a cure for diabetes?

While diabetes has long been considered incurable, stem cell therapy has changed the conversation. In recent cases, patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes have achieved significant milestones, including insulin independence and restored blood sugar control.

These successes don’t yet represent a universal cure, but they may mean the possibility of a long-term solution for some diabetic patients.

How does stem cell therapy compare to traditional diabetes treatments?

Traditional treatments like insulin therapy and oral medications focus on managing symptoms and maintaining blood sugar levels. These approaches require lifelong adherence and constant monitoring. Patients with type 1 diabetes and severe obesity may resort to costly and invasive procedures like bariatric surgery.

Stem cell treatment, on the other hand, addresses the root cause by restoring insulin production and regulating blood sugar naturally. It offers the possibility of insulin independence, freeing patients from the burdens of daily injections and long-term medication.

Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved for diabetes?

Stem cell therapy for treating diabetes has not yet received full FDA approval in the United States. However, some treatments, such as islet transplantation therapy, have been approved for specific cases with severe complications.

In countries like Mexico, Turkey, and Thailand, approved stem cell therapies are more widely available for diabetes treatment. These regions have less restrictive regulations, allowing patients to access therapies that are still in the experimental phase elsewhere. Patients interested in stem cell therapy can explore treatment options in these countries as long as they choose a reputable clinic licensed to use stem cells.

How much does stem cell therapy for diabetes cost?

The cost of stem cell therapy for diabetes varies significantly depending on the country, the type and number of stem cells used, and the clinic’s expertise. 

In the United States, a single dose of stem cells can cost around $99,000. 

On the other hand, countries where stem cell therapies are more widespread offer far more affordable options, which often include additional perks like accommodation and transportation.

Compare costs across the most prominent destinations in this table:

Where can I get stem cell treatment for diabetes?

Guided by its Ranking Policy, Bookimed has selected the top 5 clinics around the world for diabetes stem cell treatment. Check out these healthcare providers with a perfect balance of expertise, certifications, and patient outcomes:

If you’re unsure about your options, leave a request on Bookimed, and a dedicated medical coordinator will help you find the best fit for your condition and budget.

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Key Takeaways

👉 Success in type 1 diabetes. Clinical trials show that stem cell therapy can restore insulin production. 11 out of 12 patients reduced or eliminated insulin use, and one patient achieved a 91% reduction within 90 days.

👉 Success in type 2 diabetes. In clinical trials, 70% of patients experienced improved blood sugar control lasting at least 12 months. Restored C-peptide levels indicated normalized pancreatic function.

👉 Promise for a cure. In 2024, case studies revealed that diabetes might be closer to a cure than ever. Patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes became insulin-independent after stem cell treatment and have stayed insulin-free.

👉 Safe and minimally invasive. Stem cell therapy is generally well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as injection site reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort. Compared to surgeries like pancreas transplantation, it is significantly less invasive.

👉 Global accessibility. Stem cell treatment for diabetes is still under FDA review in the US and can cost around $99,000 per dose. However, stem cell therapies cost significantly less in countries like Mexico ($4,500-$25,000), Turkey ($7,500-$15,000), and Thailand ($17,000-$60,000) due to broader approval, government support, and competitive markets.

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