A new study indicates that cord blood stem cells can be used to successfully treat diabetes. Researchers at the University of Florida College of Medicine studied twenty children aged with Type 1 Diabetes. The children’s ages ranged from two to seven. Seven of the children received cord blood stem cells. Over the six months following treatment, the children who received core blood stem cells needed about 35% less insulin than the others.
Insulin helps the body control blood sugar levels. Patients with type 1 diabetes need insulin because their immune systems destroy cells that produce it.
The study was presented at the 2007 annual conference of the American Diabetes Association in Chicago. The researchers explained that they are optimistic about the results but still have a lot to learn about the effects of stem cell therapy on diabetes. Dr. Haller said explained that while the team is pleased with the results, they have not found a cure for juvenile diabetes.
