Review on Mesenchymal Stem Cell - Based Products for Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

This review aimed to summarize the most up-to-date evidence (up to August 2025) on the efficacy, safety, and predictors of response to mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)–based therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to provide research perspectives and practical recommendations. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and relevant medical journals (December 2023–August 2025) using the keywords “mesenchymal stem cells,” “umbilical cord,” “bone marrow,” “type 2 diabetes,” “randomized,” and “meta-analysis.” Ten eligible studies were included in the qualitative synthesis: two randomized controlled trials, one non-randomized clinical study, one retrospective study, one post-hoc analysis, and five meta-analyses or systematic reviews. MSC therapy, particularly umbilical cord–derived MSC (UC-MSC), reduced mean HbA1c by 0.6–0.9% after 12 months, improved C-peptide and glucose infusion rate (GIR), and decreased exogenous insulin requirements. Long-term follow-up data demonstrated reduced rates of macrovascular and peripheral neuropathic complications. Recent pooled analyses reported no serious MSC-related adverse events, confirming a favorable safety profile. Current clinical evidence supports MSC therapy as a safe and promising adjunct for selected T2DM patients. However, large multicenter randomized trials with standardized cell sources, doses, delivery routes, and ≥24-month follow-up are needed to validate long-term efficacy and define its role in diabetes management.