Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder which manifests as high glucose (sugar) levels within the bloodstream. Symptoms associated with high glucose include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and increased hunger. Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar can affect almost every system within the body and result in serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, and retinopathy (eye damage).
Diabetes Mellitus is generally separated into two types. Type I results from the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin (a lack of beta cells) and is normally seen early in life and therefore sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes. Type II results from a failure of your body to process the insulin that is produced and normally occurs later in life. Obesity, smoking, and insufficient exercise are often precursors to this disease.
Treatment for both types of diabetes involves lifestyle changes which include maintaining a healthy diet, a normal body weight, regular exercise, and avoiding the use of tobacco. Type I diabetes requires the administration of insulin injections to maintain proper glucose control. Type II may be treated with medications that aid in insulin metabolism and/or insulin injections
as with Type I.
Researchers are looking toward stem cell treatments to try and improve outcomes for both types of diabetes. The focus of this research is on replacing damaged or absent beta cells in Type I and increasing glucose metabolism in Type II. Currently, the goal of stem cell treatment for Diabetes is to improve the patient’s quality of life by improving their body’s ability to produce and process insulin.
Please note that we only treat patients who are over 18 years of age. If you would like to talk with an expert about your specific condition, please fill out the form below: