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A woman in China with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) reportedly regained insulin production through stem cell therapy, marking a significant advancement in diabetes management.
This case represents the first successful regeneration of functional insulin-producing cells using stem cells, raising hopes for a potential cure.
Other trials in stem cell therapy for T1D are underway, indicating continued interest and investment in this area.
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the body's raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated.
Under certain conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells.
These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells.
No other cell in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.
These stem cells can transform into any cell type, making them particularly useful for regenerative medicine (Stem cell therapy).
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