Chinese researchers have announced a groundbreaking achievement: the first reported cure for diabetes through cell therapy.

A 59-year-old patient, who had suffered from type 2 diabetes for 25 years and relied on multiple daily insulin injections, underwent a novel cell transplant in 2021. Since 2022, he has been free from diabetes medication.

The innovative procedure involved creating artificial insulin-producing cells from the patient’s peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

These cells were transformed into “seed cells” that regenerated pancreatic islet tissue in an artificial environment, effectively restoring the patient’s ability to regulate blood sugar. The research was conducted by a team from Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, the Centre for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, and Renji Hospital, and was published in the journal Cell Discovery.

Lead researcher Yin Hao highlighted the significance of this breakthrough in regenerative medicine, emphasizing its potential to treat diabetes by leveraging the body’s own regenerative capabilities.

This advancement comes as a major step forward, especially for China, which has the highest number of diabetes patients globally. With 140 million people affected and 40 million dependent on insulin, this cell therapy could significantly reduce the healthcare burden.

Diabetes, particularly type 2, is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, often leading to severe complications. This breakthrough offers hope for millions worldwide who struggle with diabetes management.

#MaltaDaily