Scientists have successfully reversed a woman’s Type 1 diabetes using an advanced stem cell transplant, marking what is believed to be the first case of its kind. The 25-year-old woman, who had lived with the chronic condition for over a decade, previously relied on insulin injections and strict dietary control.
After undergoing a minimally invasive procedure in June 2023, where stem cells from her own body were used to regenerate insulin-producing cells, she started producing her own insulin. Within three months, her blood sugar levels were naturally regulated, and she was able to enjoy foods like sugar and hotpot without concerns.
This innovative technique involves converting existing cells into personalized stem cells, which are then used to grow insulin-producing clusters, called islets. These islets are transplanted into the abdominal muscles, where they begin regulating blood sugar. After two and a half months, the woman was able to sustain normal insulin levels without supplementation, a result that has lasted over a year. Her blood glucose remains within a target range for more than 98% of the day, and experts are hopeful that this treatment could be extended to other patients.
The treatment’s success has been praised as a remarkable development in diabetes care. If the woman continues producing insulin for five years, she will be considered “cured.”
This development builds on similar progress in stem cell therapy, including a successful transplant in a 59-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes. While the use of stem cells in diabetes treatment shows great potential, the need for more research, particularly regarding immunosuppressants, remains. The hope is that stem cell treatments can eventually offer a limitless supply of insulin-producing cells, improving the lives of the millions worldwide living with diabetes.
