Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

healthcare

China

research

medicine

diabetes

stem cell

theraphy

groundbreaking

In the dynamic realm of medicine, each day presents an opportunity for doctors and researchers to delve deeper into the quest for solutions to various ailments. Whether aiming for a complete cure or exploring preventive measures and strategies to mitigate long-term effects, their efforts hold the promise of enhancing patients' quality of life.
A recent milestone in medical science emerged when a team of Chinese scientists and clinicians reportedly achieved a groundbreaking feat: the successful treatment of a diabetes patient using cell therapy for the first time.
The patient, a 59-year-old man grappling with type 2 diabetes for over two decades, had endured numerous complications stemming from the condition. Following a kidney transplant in 2017, he experienced a loss of pancreatic islet function&mdash;a critical factor in blood glucose regulation&mdash;and became reliant on multiple insulin injections.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d81408ac83eb087c667bb280d85b28b0bf715c355b7259c7a3f7d567f2a5e19a" />
"This study marks a significant stride forward in the domain of cell therapy for diabetes," commented Timothy Kieffer, a professor in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences at the University of British Columbia, in an interview with the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
What Is Diabetes And Is There A Cure For It?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d62ef8576e4cb676b3d666a6ae6a8b81f33f36e77566fc0a7de484241333d3d4" />
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood, occurring either because the body does not produce enough insulin or because cells do not respond effectively to the insulin produced. Globally prevalent, diabetes affects millions, presenting as either Type 1, where the body fails to produce insulin, or Type 2, where the body cannot use insulin effectively. In Malaysia, diabetes is a major health concern, affecting approximately 16.9% of the adult population. This high incidence is driven by factors including sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and genetic predisposition.
Currently, there is no cure for diabetes, but the condition can be effectively managed through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and monitoring. Treatment costs vary depending on the type of diabetes and the specific needs of the individual. In Malaysia, patients might spend from RM 50 to RM 250 per month on medications like metformin or insulin, which are vital for managing blood sugar levels. Additional costs can include glucose monitoring equipment and lifestyle modification programs. Government subsidies and support are available, which can help reduce the financial burden for those needing long-term diabetes care.
One Step Close To A Solution For Diabetes
Thanks to a groundbreaking treatment, researchers worldwide are now exploring islet transplants as a promising alternative therapy, focusing primarily on generating islet-like cells from human stem cell cultures. After over a decade of dedicated work, the Chinese team has achieved remarkable progress.
In July 2021, the patient underwent a cell transplant. Just 11 weeks later, he was free from external insulin dependency, and within a year, he no longer required oral medication to manage blood sugar levels. Led by Yin Hao, a prominent researcher at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, the team utilized the patient's own peripheral blood mononuclear cells, programming them into "seed cells" and reconstituting pancreatic islet tissue in a controlled environment. Yin stressed that this breakthrough represents a significant advancement in regenerative medicine, harnessing the body's innate regenerative abilities for therapeutic purposes.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/47965c5698cf74d701e112f6f0ec78ecdbc706cdca9cf0eaa3a52aa1936f1871" />
A major challenge in translational research lies in efficiently differentiating stem cells into high-quality insulin-producing cells on a large scale for therapeutic applications. In a recent study published in Stem Cell Research &amp; Therapy, a team led by diabetes researcher Kieffer explored methods to enhance scalable manufacturing.
They identified crucial parameters for quality monitoring during cell therapy production, offering valuable insights into the large-scale production of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived pancreatic cells and proposing strategies for standardizing the manufacturing process.
While preclinical data from Kieffer's team supports the use of stem cell-derived islets for treating type 2 diabetes, Yin's report represents "the first evidence in humans," according to Kieffer.
Won&rsquo;t Stem Cell Treatment Be Expensive In Malaysia?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/510ac0d6d07e2c7b47a66bbb79ff8540b664358ef2812b3b799be0fddea8070a" />
Stem cell treatments in Malaysia can vary significantly in cost, depending largely on the specific procedure and the condition being treated. On average, these therapies can range from RM 50,000 to RM 200,000. While stem cell therapy offers groundbreaking potential in treating a range of diseases, including regenerative treatments and chronic conditions, it also carries certain risks. The pros of stem cell therapy include the possibility of repairing damaged tissues, treating autoimmune diseases, and even reversing the effects of diseases that currently have no cure.
However, there are significant cons and risks associated with these treatments, such as the potential for cells to develop improperly, immune rejection, and the ethical concerns related to how stem cells are harvested. Furthermore, the regulatory landscape for stem cell therapy is still evolving, which can affect the availability and safety of these treatments.
With the potential effectiveness of cell therapy, there's hope for a more sustainable approach to treating diabetes, which could alleviate the burden on healthcare systems worldwide. While it may take a few more years to fully understand its impact, for now, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle remains crucial in preventing diabetes and promoting overall well-being.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a> and <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a> for more updates. 
&nbsp;

If the claims are real, this could alleviate the burden on healthcare systems worldwide

6e066b9a65c2a7e17915a03af003e4b7e4e44004fbaa0657825a40004b4e88f2

Doctor In China Claims He’s Managed To Cure Diabetes With Cell Therapy

Doctor In China Claims He’s Managed To Cure Diabetes With Cell Therapy

If the claims are real, this could alleviate the burden on healthcare systems worldwide

Latest News

M’sian Woman Left Disillusioned After Catalytic Converter Stolen From Her Car At LRT Station Parking Lot

Superbikes Crash On Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway: Police Launch Manhunt For Riders

Nintendo Switch 2 Frenzy: Pre-Orders Overwhelm Retailers As Demand Skyrockets

Siti Nurhaliza To Celebrate 30 Years Of Musical Brilliance With Violet Skies Concert This July

Malaysians Urged To Rethink Late-Night Eating Habits Amid Health Concerns

Related Articles

M’sian Woman Left Disillusioned After Catalytic Converter Stolen From Her Car At LRT Station Parking Lot

Superbikes Crash On Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway: Police Launch Manhunt For Riders

Nintendo Switch 2 Frenzy: Pre-Orders Overwhelm Retailers As Demand Skyrockets

Siti Nurhaliza To Celebrate 30 Years Of Musical Brilliance With Violet Skies Concert This July

Malaysians Urged To Rethink Late-Night Eating Habits Amid Health Concerns

Related Articles

M’sian Woman Left Disillusioned After Catalytic Converter Stolen From Her Car At LRT Station Parking Lot

Superbikes Crash On Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway: Police Launch Manhunt For Riders

Nintendo Switch 2 Frenzy: Pre-Orders Overwhelm Retailers As Demand Skyrockets

Siti Nurhaliza To Celebrate 30 Years Of Musical Brilliance With Violet Skies Concert This July

Malaysians Urged To Rethink Late-Night Eating Habits Amid Health Concerns