Chinese scientists achieve reversal of type 2 diabetes through stem cell therapy: Report

Scientists in China have achieved a first successful medical breakthrough by reversing type 2 diabetes in a patient using stem cell therapy, as per reports.

Type 2 diabetes hinders one’s ability to use insulin properly, which raises  blood sugar levels, and therefore to control it, insulin and medications are the way to go..

But once someone becomes insulin dependent, it is nearly impossible to regain normal function. The individual, once dependent on insulin, can now be drug-free with China's successful stem cell reversal therapy .

Stem cell therapy

Stem cells are special cells that can develop into different types of cells in the body. In regenerative medicine, scientists use them to repair or replace damaged tissues. In this case, researchers engineered stem cells into pancreatic cells capable of producing insulin. The goal is to rebuild the body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar.

The results of this case are promising, but there is a need to be cautious. As this is a single case wherein the stem cell therapy proved effective, more large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy. Multiple demographics need to be considered while creating treatments for type-2 diabetes, as this case is a single success story, experts say.