Stem Cell Transplantation in Diabetes Mellitus Type I and Type II

This chapter reviews significant advances in the transplantation of stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells in diabetes mellitus type I and type II. The successful outcome has been achieved in the standardization of stem cell identification, isolation, purification, differentiation, expansion, and storage procedures. Transplantation of stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells effectively reduced hyperglycaemia, although normalization was not achieved. This is partially due to the complex architecture and physiology of the native pancreas, a poor understanding of aetiology of the disease, and the interactions between β-cells and other endocrine cells, growth factors, and pancreatic extracellular matrix. While current research endeavours are promising, the transition to safe and effective clinical implementation faces significant obstacles. Collaborative efforts are required to overcome tumorigenicity, immune rejection, and functional immaturity of stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells and speed up this novel therapy for restoring β-cell function in diabetic patients to prevent diabetic complications.