Diabetes | Stem Cells Australia
Condition
Diabetes
All the cells in your body need energy. This energy is carried around the body as sugar (glucose) in the blood. For people with diabetes there is a problem with regulating normal levels of sugar in the blood. Normally, blood sugar levels are controlled by the release of the hormone insulin which is made and released from the pancreas. When insulin is released, it tells the body’s cells that glucose is available, and can be taken up from the blood to provide energy.
In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that release insulin – these insulin releasing cells are called ‘beta cells’. In Type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells do not take up enough glucose, either because they are insensitive to insulin or too little insulin is produced.
Currently there is no cure for diabetes. Although Type 2 diabetes can often be at least partially controlled by a healthy diet and regular exercise, Type 1 diabetes cannot. People with Type 1 diabetes must self-administer insulin to survive and test their blood sugar levels several times a day in order to determine insulin dosages. Unfortunately, it is difficult to keep the blood sugar level within a normal range. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause serious damage to the heart, eyes, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves, whilst injecting too much insulin can lead to a blood sugar level that is too low (hypoglycaemia) which can be fatal.
Diabetes is a common life-long condition and the number of children being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is increasing. The symptoms can be controlled but there is no cure. For many, diabetes means living with daily insulin injections and the possibility of long-term damage to their health.
How could stem cells help?
Scientists have successfully used stem cells to produce glucose-responding cells that release insulin, similar to the beta cells in a healthy pancreas. Research using stem cells is being used in the following ways:
Understanding the disease
Diabetes is quite well understood, but the causes of diabetes are not. Research is still being conducted on what triggers the immune system to destroy beta cells in Type 1 diabetes.
Developing new drugs
Researchers are also interested in the possibility of using drugs to promote cells in a patient’s pancreas to naturally make more beta cells.
Replacing lost cells
Current research is examining the use of stem cells as a way to create beta cells that can be transplanted into patients with Type 1 diabetes. Clinical trials are presently taking place with insulin secreting cells that are protect from the patient’s immune system by being contained within devices or capsules.
What are the challenges?
Autoimmunity is a big challenge for Type 1 diabetes. Even if new beta cells are created or transplanted into a patient, the immune system will eventually target and destroy these cells. Thus, treatments must consider how to prevent new beta cells from being targeted. Typically, this has involved immune suppressants, which have an unfortunate side effect of increasing the risk of infection.
Where can I find out more about clinical trials?
There are a number of sites that list clinical trials, including the clinicaltrials.gov registry. Please note that the scientific justification for the intervention and the credentials of those offering the service may have NOT been fully evaluated by this registry. Your findings may include listings that are NOT legitimate clinical trials. Please consult with your medical specialist or general practitioner as they are best placed to advise you on whether you would be a good candidate for a trial given your circumstances.
Please note: Although some clinics may claim to already offer stem cell treatments for diabetes type 1, there are serious questions about the scientific rationale and the safety of many of these approaches. Currently, there are no proven, safe and effective stem cell treatments for this condition available in Australia, the EU, US or elsewhere.