Stem Cell Therapy as a Potential Cure for Type 1 Diabetes: The Indian Perspective
- October 4, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
Stem Cell Therapy as a Potential Cure for Type 1 Diabetes: The Indian Perspective
Sub: Sci
Sec: Health
Why in News
The recent success of a woman in China, who regained her insulin production after receiving stem cell therapy for Type 1 diabetes (T1D), has garnered global attention. This breakthrough, which involved the transplantation of reprogrammed stem cells, has the potential to revolutionize diabetes treatment, offering hope for millions living with this condition.
About Type 1 diabetes:
An absolute lack of insulin, usually due to destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, is the main problem in type 1 diabetes.
It is to be due to an autoimmune process, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its own tissues.
This tendency for the immune system to destroy the beta cells of the pancreas is likely to be, at least in part, genetically inherited, although the exact reasons that this process happens are not fully understood.
Insulin Dependence: This leads to a lifelong dependence on externally administered insulin to manage blood sugar levels.
In contrast, type 2 diabetes occurs when the insulin produced by the body is either insufficient or ineffective. It is generally managed with oral medication and, in some cases, insulin therapy.
Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
| Criteria | Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) | Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) |
| Cause | Autoimmune disorder where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. | Insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production by the body. |
| Onset | Typically develops in childhood or adolescence. | Usually develops in adulthood, often linked to lifestyle factors. |
| Insulin Dependence | Patients are insulin-dependent for life as the body cannot produce insulin. | May not initially require insulin; managed with oral medications and lifestyle changes, though insulin may be needed in later stages. |
| Prevalence | Less common, accounting for about 5-10% of all diabetes cases. | More common, accounting for about 90-95% of all diabetes cases. |
Stem Cell Therapy:
Stem cell therapy falls under the category of regenerative medicine and offers a novel approach for curing T1D.
The therapy utilizes pluripotent stem cells, which have the ability to transform into any cell type. These stem cells are pre-programmed to become insulin-producing beta cells and are transplanted into the human body.
Restoration of Insulin Production: Once inside the body, these cells begin producing insulin, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong insulin injections.
A significant breakthrough occurred when a woman with T1D in China had her insulin production restored through stem cell therapy. This marks the first successful regeneration of insulin-producing cells through stem cell transplantation.
Types of Stem Cells Used
Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC): Derived from early-stage embryos, ESCs have the ability to differentiate into insulin-producing beta cells. Controversies surrounding the ethical use of embryos make this a debated source of stem cells.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): Adult cells that are genetically reprogrammed to revert to a pluripotent state and then transformed into insulin-producing cells. iPSCs offer a less controversial and more ethically acceptable alternative to ESCs.