Stem cell therapy and diabetes
The number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014[1]
The global prevalence of diabetes among adults over 18 years of age rose from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014[1]
Between 2000 and 2016, there was a 5% increase in premature mortality from diabetes[1]
Diabetes prevalence has been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries[1]
Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation[1]
In 2016, an estimated 1.6 million deaths were directly caused by diabetes. Another 2.2 million deaths were attributable to high blood glucose in 2012[1]
Almost half of all deaths attributable to high blood glucose occur before the age of 70 years. WHO estimates that diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2016[1]
A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes[1]
Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications[1]
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is the long-term health condition that occurs when the ability of the body to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in excessive amounts of glucose (sugar) in the body, as the body cannot use it correctly. Patients can either be diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.In type 1 diabetes patients, the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells (b-cells). This is a chronic and less common variation of the condition that causes the pancreas to produce little to no insulin.
The more prevalent type 2 diabetes is characterised by insulin resistance and a subsequent gradual decrease in b-cell function, to the point where the cells can no longer generate enough extra insulin to overcome insulin resistance. This causes glucose to stay in the bloodstream and is often associated with obesity.
Stem cell therapy research
The excellent news is that scientists are actively exploring cell replacement therapy as a prospective approach for treating type 1 diabetes, and studies has already shown that human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC)[2] and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found in teeth are capable of differentiating into cells that secrete insulin.[3]
In reality, the most ideal source for MSC’s is regarded dental pulp stem cells. They are non-controversial, readily available, and the donor has no discomfort in collecting them. Furthermore, if a secure and cost-effective means were established to replenish b-cells, this therapy approach could be helpful to the larger type 2 diabetes population.
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