Diabetes, finally cured? Chinese scientists claim to have completely reversed Type 1 diabetes in patient using stem cell transplant

In a world-first achievement, Chinese researchers have successfully reversed type 1 diabetes in a 25-year-old patient using an innovative stem cell transplant. The groundbreaking treatment offers new hope for those living with the chronic condition. Here’s a detailed look at the process and its implications.

The breakthrough procedure

Chinese scientists from Tianjin First Central Hospital and Peking University used "chemically induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived islets" (CiPSC islets) to treat the patient, according to a study published in Cell journal. In a procedure that lasted less than half an hour, the patient’s adipose tissue cells were harvested and reprogrammed into insulin-producing islet cells. These cells were then transplanted back into her body, enabling her to naturally regulate her blood sugar levels.

Unlike traditional islet transplants, which are hindered by donor shortages and immune rejection, this method uses the patient’s own cells, minimising the risk of complications. The patient showed significant improvement two and a half months post-surgery, no longer requiring insulin injections after 75 days.

Patient's background

The patient, a 25-year-old woman from Tianjin, had been living with type 1 diabetes for 11 years. Her condition had been difficult to manage, leading to severe swings in her blood sugar levels and frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. She had already undergone two liver transplants and one unsuccessful pancreatic islet cell transplant prior to the stem cell procedure. Despite these interventions, her diabetes remained uncontrolled.

Following the CiPSC islet transplant, her fasting blood glucose levels began to stabilise, and after five months, her blood sugar stayed within the target range 98 percent of the time. This marked the first time in over a decade that her condition was under control.

Simplified transplant method

A key innovation in this treatment is the location of the cell transplant. Traditionally, islet cells are implanted into the liver, which carries risks such as inflammation. In this procedure, however, the cells were implanted into the patient’s abdominal muscles, avoiding inflammation and allowing for easy monitoring. The minimally invasive nature of the surgery was another advantage, as it reduced recovery time and the risk of complications.

The research team emphasised the simplicity of the process. "The injection was minimally invasive, the shallow site facilitated imaging monitoring, and the cells could be retrieved anytime if needed. The entire procedure took less than half an hour," the team reported.

One year after the procedure, the patient’s condition continues to improve. The study’s findings revealed that all clinical data met the research endpoints, with no indication of transplant-related abnormalities. The researchers noted in the Cell journal, "Promising results from this patient suggest that further clinical studies assessing CiPSC islet transplant in type 1 diabetes are warranted."

Stem cell therapy has long been considered a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes, but the lack of available islet cells and the risk of immune rejection have been significant barriers. This new technique, which uses the patient’s own cells, offers a promising solution to both challenges.

Implications for Type 1 diabetes treatment

The success of this procedure represents a major leap forward in diabetes treatment. Current treatments for type 1 diabetes, such as insulin injections, can help manage the condition but do not offer a cure. Islet transplants have been one of the more effective treatments but have been limited by the scarcity of donors.

By using CiPSC islet cells, this new procedure could provide a renewable source of insulin-producing cells, potentially eliminating the need for donor organs and reducing the complications of immune rejection. This development could lead to more accessible and effective treatments for the millions of people worldwide living with type 1 diabetes.

The research team is optimistic about the future of CiPSC islet transplants. Further clinical trials will be necessary to confirm the long-term efficacy of the treatment, but early results are promising. The patient in this study has been free from insulin injections for over a year, and her blood sugar levels remain stable.

As stem cell research continues to advance, the possibilities for treating chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes are expanding. The successful reversal of diabetes in this case could mark the beginning of a new era in medical treatment, where stem cell therapies become routine in managing and even curing chronic diseases.

(With inputs from agencies)