People affected by this disease, can experience renal disorders, visual organs problems that in worst cases may lead to blindness, disorders of nerve system, cardio-vascular system and lower extremities trophism that may lead to ulceration.
Renal dysfunction or diabetic nephropathy
Patients with diabetes especially having constantly high glycemic index may develop kidney damage – diabetic nephropathy. Kidneys unable to cope with the load begin to leak protein from the bloodstream into the urine. Besides there is constant development of renal hepertension or increased arterial blood pressure resulting in the serious damage of this vital organ. Derangement of metabolic processes is caused by insulin deficiency and renal tissue microcirculation. In the course of time it may lead to chronic renal insufficiency
In order to prevent the risk of such a pathology, while the symptoms of the diagnosed early stages of diabetes are minimal, some preventive measures recommended by urologist should be taken.
Visual organ lesion or diabetic retinitis
Disturbed circulation and microcirculation, that take place in diabetes affect eye vessels as well. Patients do not usually experience vision deterioration at the early stages of the disease. However, the eyes vessels lumen gradually becomes narrower due to the walls degenerative processes and the loss of elasticity leading to the impaired visual acuity. Formation of scars and calcination of retina in these conditions may cause such severe after-effects as retinal detachment and even blindness. For those who suffer from diabetes, it is extremely important to have a careful examination by ophthalmologist once a year.
Cell therapy for diabetes mellitus
Cell therapy is a modern treatment method using autologous stem cells.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of chronic diseases that differ in their course and etiology, but their common feature is high blood glucose levels.
This can be caused by insufficient production of insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels) by the pancreas or a decrease in the sensitivity of the body’s receptors to insulin (insulin resistance) and the inability to effectively use insulin. There are the following main types of diabetes mellitus:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body destroys its own β-cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for insulin production. This leads to complete insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia, and serious systemic disorders. The exact causes of T1DM have not yet been determined;
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that occurs as a result of insulin resistance and depletion of pancreatic β-cell function. Chronic hyperglycemia, impaired carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism appear, and severe complications affecting other organs and systems develop, and the risk of heart attack and stroke increases. T2DM is often associated with excess weight and lack of physical activity, but the genetic component is important.
Separately, there is diabetes mellitus in pregnant women (gestational), in children and other types. All of them have their own characteristics and treatment regimens.
Advantages of cell therapy for diabetes mellitus
For the treatment of diabetes mellitus, our cell laboratory has developed a special innovative program AntiDiabetCELLNESS®. It includes cell therapy for systemic effects on the body, the islet apparatus of the pancreas, restoration of β-cells and protection of diabetes complications.
Treatment under the AntiDiabetCELLNESS® program includes the following stages:
- Consultation with a Smart Cell cell technology doctor, during which he/she individually selects a treatment regimen and accompanies the patient along the way.
- Plasmapheresis (if necessary) — blood purification from inflammatory cytokines, low-density lipoproteins, toxic substances to prepare for cell therapy.
- Intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells — to reduce systemic inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and regenerate blood vessels.
- Local administration into the pancreas or antrum of the stomach to stimulate β-cells in severe cases that do not respond well to systemic therapy.
As a result, the patient receives better glucose control, reduced insulin requirements, and a slowdown in the development of complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, and others). Cell therapy improves the condition of the pancreas and blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of heart attack and stroke in diabetes in the elderly. Overall, patients report improved condition, reduced fatigue and better quality of life.