Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a condition where high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is caused by islet β-cell function deficiency (type 1) with consequent inadequate insulin secretion and/ or the context of insulin resistance (type 2). The prevalence of DM is rising throughout the world.

Type 1 DM is caused by an autoimmune response to the β-cells which are responsible for insulin release in the pancreas. The disease has two phases. The first phase is insulitis, where the islet cells are destroyed by a mixed population of leukocytes. The second phase is diabetes, when most β-cells have been injured. There is no longer adequate insulin production to control blood glucose levels, resulting in hyperglycemia.

Type 2 DM consists of two main problems: the insufficient production of insulin from the pancreas and the resistance of body cells to normal or even high levels of insulin.

To restore pancreatic β-cell function, Adult Stem Cell Therapy can be applied, and they work by an effect called the “paracrine” effect where they signal the damaged Pancreas β-Islet cells to regenerate themselves, hence healing and renewal of insulin production.