Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease leading to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells and requiring lifelong insulin therapy. Stem cell therapy is a novel treatment approach aimed at regenerating or replacing damaged beta cells.
Case presentation: We report the case of a 25-year-old female with a 10- year history of poorly controlled T1DM despite intensive insulin therapy. The patient experienced frequent hypoglycemic episodes and early signs of diabetic complications.
Intervention: The patient underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Peripheral blood stem cells were mobilized using granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and collected via apheresis. After conditioning with cyclophosphamide and antithymocyte globulin, the patient received the autologous stem cell infusion.
Results: Post-transplantation, the patient showed significant improvement in glycemic control, reduced insulin requirements, and increased C-peptide levels, indicating endogenous insulin production. During the 12-month follow-up, the patient maintained improved glycemic control with minimal insulin supplementation and no severe hypoglycemic events. Early diabetic complications stabilized, and the patient reported an enhanced quality of life.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates the potential of autologous HSCT in improving clinical outcomes for T1DM patients by restoring beta cell function. Stem cell therapy offers a regenerative approach that may alter the disease course and reduce long-term complications. Further research is needed to validate these findings and establish standardized protocols for clinical application.
