Stem Cell Applications in Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes Mellitus

In this chapter we will discuss the definition of the metabolic disorders and the role of stem cells in their treatment. We will review the pathogenesis and current treatment of diabetes mellitus as an example of metabolic disorders. We will examine the regenerative therapy approaches to treat both Type I and Type II diabetes, and the different types of stem cells used for experimental transplantation and clinical trials. We will conclude with challenges in cell replacement therapy for diabetes, and new approaches to address these challenges.