Stem cell replacement therapy in type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells and most frequently occurs in genetically susceptible children. Due to beta cell loss, Type 1 diabetes is an ideal candidate for cell replacement therapy. Replacement could be achieved via whole pancreas or isolated islet transplantation, but, at present, feasibility of these procedures is severely limited by the shortage of donor pancreata. Stem cells, characterized by their high potential for self-renewal and the simultaneous ability to differentiate into a desired cytotype, theoretically represent a suitable and renewable source of surrogate beta cells. However, despite many promising results, several challenges still remain to be faced to turn the promise of cellular therapy for diabetes into a clinical reality.