Mesenchymal stem cells therapy – an innovative approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic
disease characterized by high rates of morbidity, and cardiovascular
complications. Traditional medical treatments often fail to provide
adequate glycemic control, prompting the search for new therapeutic
approaches. One of the promising areas is the use of mesenchymal
stem cells (MSCs), which have the ability to proliferate,
differentiate and have powerful immunomodulatory properties.
The aim. To analyze current data on the efficacy and safety of using
MSCs as a supplement or alternative to classical therapy for T2DM.
Methods. We analyzed 10 clinical trials published between 2005
and 2025, using the literature sources from PubMed, Science Direct,
Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials datebases. The assessment took
into account changes in key laboratory parameters: fasting blood
glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, as well as effects
on complications of T2DM and the safety profile of MSC therapy.
Results. It was found that the administration of MSCs contributes
to a reliable decrease in HbA1c, fasting glucose levels and improvement
of the functional state of pancreatic β-cells. The most pronounced
therapeutic effect was observed at doses of more than
1 million cells per kg of body weight, and with repeated administrations.
It was shown that MSC therapy has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which allows to reduce
insulin resistance. Side effects when using MSCs were minimal
and transient, no serious adverse reactions were recorded. Conclusions.
MSC therapy is a promising, safe, and effective approach in
the treatment of T2DM, allowing for significant improvement in
glycemic control and reduction in the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Additional studies on optimal administration regimens are
needed for further implementation in clinical practice.