Diabetes and pancreatic
regenerative medicine/stem cell therapy DIABETES MELLITUS

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (IDDM: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus)

It is a disease in which the beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed by autoimmunity. The main cause is an attack on one's own cells by an autoimmune mechanism. This type of diabetes is diagnosed by testing for autoantibodies (anti-GAD and IA-2 antibodies). Viral infection is also thought to be a factor. Onset is mainly between 10 and 20 years of age and is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms. Some patients develop symptoms such as ketoacidosis, polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss, and the disease is classified into three categories based on the speed of progression: fulminant, acute onset, and slow progression. Treatment requires the administration of insulin.

- fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus

Symptoms appear rapidly and require insulin administration in approximately one week. Delayed treatment can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, so prompt action is required. Tests for autoantibodies are often negative and HbA1c is often within the normal range in the early stages.

- Acute onset type 1 diabetes mellitus

It is the most common type of type 1 diabetes. Insulin is required within a few months of the onset of symptoms, and tests for autoantibodies tend to be positive.

- Slow Progression Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The disease progresses slowly over months to years, gradually decreasing insulin secretion. In the early stages, there is no need for insulin. Later, autoantibodies are identified and type 1 diabetes may be diagnosed. Insulin is a less stressful treatment for the pancreas than oral medication.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (NIDDM: insulin-independent diabetes mellitus)

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all diabetics and is caused by poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress. Genetic factors are also thought to play a role. In this type, insulin secretion from the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas is reduced, resulting in insulin resistance in the organ and causing elevated blood glucose levels. In the early stages, the disease is generally managed with oral medications, but insulin injections may be considered if the condition progresses.

Other examples include diabetes caused by high use of corticosteroids, pregnancy, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer.

Thirst, increased frequency of urination

This symptom is seen in many advanced cases of diabetes. High blood sugar levels cause the blood to become sluggish, and the brain determines that the person is dehydrated, resulting in polydipsia. Frequent urination also occurs as a result of excessive water intake.

Rapid weight loss, increased fatigue

Glucose is not absorbed by the body and muscle and fat are used as energy sources. This results in weight loss and increased fatigue.

Exacerbation of foot symptoms

Diabetes can cause poor wound healing. Nerve damage can also occur, causing numbness and limpness in the feet. They are also prone to tinea cruris and ingrown toenails.

diabetic nephropathy

It is caused by damage to the glomeruli of the kidneys due to high blood sugar.
In the early stages of the disease, few symptoms appear, but as the disease progresses, excretion of waste products becomes difficult, and dialysis may eventually become necessary.

diabetic retinopathy

The capillaries in the retina are damaged, and the disease progresses and develops gradually. This complication often results in blindness and is the second leading cause of blindness. Regular fundus examination is necessary to detect it.

diabetic neuropathy

The symptoms are numbness and pain in the hands and feet. They usually appear symmetrically over a glove or sock-like area.

arteriosclerosis

Diabetes affects blood vessels throughout the body and can cause myocardial infarction, angina, and stroke.
Clogged blood vessels in the legs can lead to gangrene, which in the worst case scenario may require amputation of the leg.

Other

Increased risk of developing cancer.