Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: Synergistic β-Cell Regeneration, Immune Modulation, and...

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and a progressive decline in pancreatic β-cell function, leading to impaired glucose regulation. It is often accompanied by severe complications, including cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Conventional treatments, such as sulfonylurea pills, insulin injections, and GLP-1 receptor agonist injections, provide transient glycemic control but are often costly with unstable efficacy and long-term side effects. Pancreatic islet transplantation, while effective in some cases, is limited by donor scarcity, graft rejection, and the need for lifelong immunosuppression. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative due to their multipotent differentiation potential, immunomodulatory properties, and regenerative capabilities. This review examines the therapeutic roles of MSCs in β-cell regeneration, inflammation modulation, and tissue repair while also addressing key challenges in clinical translation. However, given the lack of long-term clinical data, the conclusions presented remain preliminary and should be interpreted with caution. This article, therefore, aims to provide a foundational reference for future research, rather than definitive clinical guidance.