Stem cell therapy for diabetes: Advances, prospects, and challenges
Dezhi Zuo, Chun‐Hua Wang, Min Kyu Sang, Xiaodong Sun, Guoping Chen, Kangkang Ji
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, a global epidemic, represents a major public health threat. Stem cell therapy, with its regenerative capacity, has emerged as a promising approach for diabetes mellitus management. This paper reviews recent advancements, prospects, and challenges in stem cell-based treatments for diabetes mellitus, focusing on the applications of induced pluripotent stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, the development of pancreatic islet organoids, and the potential for personalized medicine. The review critically assesses the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapies in clinical trials and examines their applications in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite the promising potential, challenges such as safety concerns, transplantation efficiency, ethical considerations, and immune rejection remain prevalent. Lastly, the paper discusses future directions, including the integration of stem cell therapy with other treatments and the advancement of personalized therapeutic strategies, offering new perspectives and hope for diabetes mellitus management.