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Cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

Cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body destroys its own pancreatic β-cells, which are responsible for producing insulin.

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  • Odessa, Sudnobudivna, 1B
  • Kyiv, Kostiantynivska, 57
Cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

Cell therapy is a modern method of introducing autologous stem cells for systemic effects on the body.

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.

This means that the patient must take insulin for life. However, the latest developments in the field of cell technologies give hope that in the future type 1 diabetes will be overcome.

AntiDiabetCELLNESS® is an innovative program from the VIRTUS Institute, which includes cell therapy (introduction of autologous stem cells) for systemic effects on the body, the islet apparatus of the pancreas, β-cell restoration and protection from complications of diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is lifelong and is often diagnosed in childhood. The immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, leaving the body unable to convert calories from food into energy and maintain blood sugar levels. A sharp drop in blood glucose levels can lead to a hypoglycemic coma. Conversely, a lack of insulin, an excessive increase in blood sugar levels, and a buildup of ketone bodies in the blood can lead to a hyperglycemic coma, most often in the form of a ketoacidotic coma.

Causes and risk factors of type 1 diabetes

As a rule, in the case of autoimmune aggression, it is extremely difficult to determine a specific factor that provoked it. We can say that it is a combination of factors. Among them, for example, genetics (diabetes is inherited), stress, severe infectious disease (including Covid), etc. In addition, DM1 negatively affects the following body systems:

  • creates systemic inflammation and immune aggression, which depletes the body;
  • causes damage to blood vessels (angiopathy) – the basis for the development of retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy;
  • leads to complications from the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes;
  • impairs kidney function (diabetic nephropathy), vision (diabetic retinopathy), nervous system (diabetic neuropathy and polyneuropathy);
  • significantly reduces the quality of life of patients and increases the risk of disability.

Life expectancy depends on blood sugar control: if diabetes is left untreated, the listed dangerous complications develop. However, with diet, regular exercise, careful blood glucose control, and a well-chosen insulin regimen, the predicted life expectancy of a person with type 1 diabetes approaches that of a person without diabetes.

Indications for cell therapy in type 1 diabetes

The indication for cell therapy is the presence of type 1 diabetes, with or without complications. You can understand that you have diabetes by the following symptoms:

  • constant thirst, frequent urination;
  • weight loss, weakness, fatigue;
  • visual impairment, numbness of the extremities, cramps;
  • frequent infections, poor wound healing;
  • high blood pressure, heart pain;
  • anxiety, depression, memory impairment.

First of all, you need to consult an endocrinologist for examination, and after consultation, you can begin to prepare for cell therapy.

Advantages of cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

Cell therapy in the treatment of type 1 diabetes has a number of important advantages. Here are the reasons why you should choose AntiDiabetCELLNESS®:

  • a comprehensive approach to type 1 diabetes and its complications;
  • immunomodulation, β-cell regeneration, protection of blood vessels and nerves;
  • preparation with plasmapheresis to increase efficiency;
  • individual support from a Smart Cell cell technology doctor;
  • reduced need for insulin and improved quality of life.

As a result of the combination of MSC treatment, healthy nutrition, physical activity and glucose control, losing weight with type 1 diabetes is a completely realistic task.

The principle of cell therapy in type 1 diabetes

Stem (mesenchymal) cells contained in the spinal cord, adipose and other tissues of the body are a kind of universal building blocks from which you can build those cells that are currently lacking. The mechanism of action of mesenchymal stem cells in type 1 diabetes and its complications is based on:

  • immunomodulation – MSCs reduce autoimmune aggression against β-cells, slowing down their destruction;
  • stimulation of β-cell regeneration – improving insulin production, reducing the need for external administration;
  • vascular regeneration – restoring the integrity of the vessel walls, improving blood supply to the whole body;
  • reduction of inflammation in the pancreas, blood vessels, kidneys, retina, nerve fibers;
  • improvement of microcirculation – stimulation of neoangiogenesis in affected tissues;
  • protection against complications – slowing the progression of retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular diseases.

Thus, the introduction of MSCs helps the patient feel better and slows the development of severe complications of diabetes.

Results of cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

In 2024, news broke that stem cell treatment had cured type 1 diabetes in a patient for the first time. We are not yet ready to guarantee the same result for everyone, because each autoimmune disease requires an individual approach, and research is still ongoing. However, our patients note the following results of cell therapy:

  • better glucose control, reduced need for insulin;
  • improved condition of the pancreas;
  • slowed development of complications: retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy;
  • improved vascular condition, reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes;
  • reduced weakness, increased endurance, improved mood;
  • more confidence and improved quality of life.

Cell therapy is not just treating symptoms, like insulin therapy, but also fighting the cause of diabetes.

Popular questions

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes - What are the Differences?

Type 1 diabetes differs from type 2 in its etiology and cause. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks and destroys the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. As a result, there is an absolute insulin deficiency, which requires replacement therapy from the moment of diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes develops due to insulin resistance (insensitivity of cells to insulin), which leads to its relative deficiency. Drug treatment usually includes tableted sugar-lowering drugs, but in some cases insulin therapy is indicated.

What does a type 1 diabetes diet include?

The main principle of nutrition is balance. Products for type 1 diabetes should contain fiber, complex carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats.

Excluding products with a high sugar content and fast carbohydrates will help avoid sharp jumps in glucose levels and improve overall health. With type 1 diabetes, people need regular insulin injections, so nutrition must be synchronized with insulin doses. If you are not sure what exactly can be included in the diet, an endocrinologist can help you make a menu for a week with type 1 diabetes.

What is dangerous about type 1 diabetes?

The most dangerous thing about type 1 diabetes is the sudden changes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to life-threatening conditions – hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic coma. In addition, uncontrolled or poorly controlled blood sugar levels lead to serious complications in the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), nervous system (neuropathy) and cardiovascular system (angiopathy, heart attack, stroke), etc.

What is the disability group for type 1 diabetes?

The disability group for type 1 diabetes depends on the degree of impairment of the body’s functions and, accordingly, the person’s vital activity. That is, when assigning a group, each person is assessed individually depending on the existing complications and signs of diabetes, their severity and impact on daily functioning.

Preparation for cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

Preparation for cell therapy for type 1 diabetes includes a consultation with a Smart Cell cell technology doctor for individual selection of a treatment strategy and monitoring of dynamics. The next step is a complete diagnosis, determination of the state of the pancreas and complications – for this, you can contact an endocrinologist at the VIRTUS Institute.

To create fertile ground for the action of MSCs, the doctor may prescribe several plasmapheresis sessions, during which the blood is cleansed of inflammatory cytokines, autoantibodies and toxins. The final stage of preparation is the collection of MSCs and the manufacture of a cell preparation in the Smart Cell laboratory.

Stages of cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

After all the preparatory procedures, you can start the AntiDiabetCELLNESS® course. Cell therapy for type 1 diabetes consists of the following stages:

  1. Intravenous administration of MSCs – for immunomodulation and regeneration of the vascular system.
  2. Local administration into the antrum of the stomach – to stimulate β-cell regeneration in severe cases that are poorly amenable to a generalized approach to cell therapy (intravenous administration).
  3. Repeated courses of MSCs as needed.
  4. Monitoring of dynamics: laboratory indicators HOMA index (HOMA-IR), blood insulin, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin.

After the procedure, the patient can return to normal life within one day, but must remain in contact with the doctor.

Recovery after cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

For some time after cell therapy, the patient remains under medical supervision to make sure that the MSC injection was successful and the cells began to function. At the same time, the patient’s blood glucose (sugar) level is measured. However, one course of MSC injections usually does not mean a complete refusal of the prescribed insulin therapy.

Tsepkolenko Vladimir Alexandrovich

Tsepkolenko Vladimir Alexandrovich

Head of VIRTUS Institute and SmartCell Biotechnology Company
Work experience (years): 49
Patients are welcome at the following office address: Odessa, Sudnobudivna, 1B; Kyiv, Kostiantynivska, 57
Morshneva Svetlana Petrovna

Morshneva Svetlana Petrovna

Endocrinologist
Work experience (years): 28
Patients are welcome at the following office address: Odessa, Sudnobudivna, 1B
Pavliuchok Nadiia

Pavliuchok Nadiia

Endocrinologist
Work experience (years): 4
Patients are welcome at the following office address: Odessa, Sudnobudivna, 1B

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