Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Who conducted the study and which universities were involved

This was an international research group. The authors’ affiliated institutions include Misurata University (Libya), Helwan University (Egypt), University of Tripoli (Libya), Benghazi University (Libya), and Hamad Medical Corporation / Hamad General Hospital (Qatar). Researchers from the Medical Research Group of Egypt and Negida Academy also participated

What was studied

The authors selected 13 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 507 patients: 199 with type 1 diabetes and 308 with type 2 diabetes. Various MSC products were analyzed, including cells from the umbilical cord/Warton’s jelly and bone marrow, and the results were compared with standard therapy or a placebo.

After 12 months, the pooled results showed a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c, a decrease in daily insulin requirements, an increase in fasting C-peptide levels, and a reduction in postprandial glucose levels in the MSC groups. However, no statistically significant difference was found for fasting glucose. Importantly, the studies varied considerably in terms of cell source, dosages, and routes of administration, and some of the included RCTs had a high risk of systematic error. Therefore, the authors themselves point to the need for larger and longer-term studies.

Year: 2025

Journal: Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, 17:189

DOI: 10.1186/s13098-025-01619-6

Type: systematic review + meta-analysis of RCTs.