Chinese scientists make history by reversing woman’s Type 1 diabetes: ‘I can eat sugar now’

“That’s remarkable,” said Daisuke Yabe, a diabetes researcher at Kyoto University, according to the report. “If this is applicable to other patients, it’s going to be wonderful.”

This breakthrough holds immense potential for transforming how Type 1 diabetes is managed. But, as the research is still in its early stages, what is the scope for its long-term safety and efficacy?

Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, explains, “Chinese scientists successfully treated a patient with Type 1 diabetes by utilising chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (CiPSCs).”

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, he continues, leading to a loss of insulin production and dependence on external insulin for glucose regulation. 

“In this case, researchers developed CiPSCs from the patient’s own cells and chemically reprogrammed them to become functional beta cells. These reprogrammed cells were then transplanted into the patient’s body, where they began producing insulin autonomously, effectively restoring the pancreas’s function. Over time, the patient showed improved blood glucose levels and significantly reduced dependence on insulin injections,” Dr Hiremath adds.

While early results are promising, this approach is still in the clinical trial phase, and much more research is needed to assess its long-term efficacy and safety. (Source: Freepik)

Potential risks or challenges associated with using CiPSCs in diabetes treatment

Dr Hiremath emphasises that CiPSCs (chemically induced pluripotent stem cells) “are a powerful tool because they can be created from adult cells and reprogrammed to become nearly any cell type, such as insulin-producing beta cells.” However, their use is not without risks:

Immune rejection: Although CiPSCs are patient-specific, there is still a risk that the body’s immune system may perceive the newly differentiated beta cells as foreign, leading to an immune response. In some cases, patients may need to take immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the likelihood of rejection, which can introduce other health risks, such as infections.

Tumorigenesis: One major concern with pluripotent stem cells is the risk of tumour formation. If the stem cells do not fully differentiate or if there is residual pluripotent activity, they may proliferate uncontrollably, leading to tumours.

Longevity and functionality: The long-term functionality of CiPSCs-derived beta cells remains a challenge. Previous studies have shown that beta cells derived from pluripotent stem cells can experience cellular stress and early senescence, leading to diminished insulin production over time. More research is needed to understand how long these cells can remain effective in the body without further intervention.

Could this approach eventually eliminate the need for insulin injections in all Type 1 diabetes patients?

While the success of this stem cell-based treatment offers great hope, Dr Hiremath stresses that  it is unlikely to completely eliminate the need for insulin injections for all Type 1 diabetes patients in the near future. There are several limitations to its widespread application:

Individual Response Variability: Not all patients may respond equally well to stem cell therapy. Factors such as the severity of the disease, the individual’s immune response, and other co-existing conditions can influence the effectiveness of the treatment. Some patients may continue to require insulin supplementation.

Access and Cost: Stem cell therapy, particularly using CiPSCs, is still in the experimental phase and requires advanced laboratory techniques and personalised care, making it a costly option. Scaling this therapy to make it accessible for all Type 1 diabetes patients would require significant investment in infrastructure and training.

Ongoing Clinical Trials: While early results are promising, this approach is still in the clinical trial phase, and much more research is needed to assess its long-term efficacy and safety. Issues such as immune rejection, tumorigenesis, and the longevity of the beta cells must be thoroughly addressed before this treatment can become a mainstream option.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

From the homepage

Pakistani ‘person of interest’ arrested recently was in touch with Sonam Wangchuk, sent reports across border, claims Ladakh DGP

IAS officer removed for ‘administrative reasons’ after technical glitches at PM’s Rajasthan rally

Five killed, one critical as Thar crashes into divider on Delhi-Jaipur Expressway