Research Progress on Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Diabetes and Its Complications

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show significant potential in treating diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications by improving pancreatic function, reducing insulin resistance, and modulating immune responses. Clinical studies have demonstrated that MSCs can lower hemoglobin A1c levels, reduce insulin requirements, and enhance anti-inflammatory capacity in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. They can differentiate into islet β-cells, improve pancreatic structure and function, and regulate signaling pathways to enhance insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. MSCs also offer therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular, renal, and neurological complications by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis, and promoting healing and regeneration. However, challenges such as low cell survival rates post-transplantation and the need for standardized protocols remain. Despite these challenges, MSCs hold promise as a multifaceted treatment option for DM, necessitating further research and larger, multicenter studies to optimize their therapeutic use.