Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Future Directions

What Was Studied

The author analyzed the accumulated data on the use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in type 2 diabetes, including preclinical studies and early clinical trials conducted between approximately 2000 and 2025.The focus is on several potential mechanisms of action of MSCs: immunomodulation and reduction of chronic inflammation, paracrine secretion of bioactive factors, support of pancreatic β-cell function, and a possible effect on insulin resistance. MSCs from various sources are considered, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and the umbilical cord.
The clinical data reviewed by the author show inconsistent, generally moderate improvements in certain indicators of glycemic control, including HbA1c and a reduction in the need for exogenous insulin in some studies. Therefore, the article considers MSCs to be a promising area of experimental research rather than an already proven standard treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Author: M. Zarei
Journal: Molecular Biology Reports
Year: 2025
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-025-11133-7.