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Stem cell therapy could help reverse type-1 diabetes, according to a new study to be published in the Journal of American Medical Association.

The majority of the patients who had hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) became free from insulin, some for up to three years, and were able to keep blood sugar levels steady.

Patients also had higher levels of C-peptide, which indicates increased function of the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Of the 23 newly-diagnosed patients, 20 experienced time free from insulin – on average 31 months.

It is now hoped that in the future, HSCT could offer hope to slowing the disease progression in recently diagnosed patients.

Commenting on the study, the researchers said: "At the present time, autologous nonmyeloablative HSCT remains the only treatment capable of reversing type 1 DM in humans," adding that more studies were needed.

Type-1 diabetes develops if the body cannot produce any insulin – a substance needed to regulate blood sugar levels.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 at 4:00 pm and is filed under Diabetes.