A Comparative Study of Therapeutic Effects of Mannose and Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Late‐Stage Diabetes

Abstract Late‐stage diabetes is a complex disease caused by the interaction of the endocrine, immune, metabolic, and other systems. Currently, the clinical treatment of late‐stage diabetes and its severe complications, such as diabetic nephropathy, faces numerous challenges. This study aims to compare the effects of mannose and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSC) in the treatment of late‐stage diabetes, to clarify their respective advantages and applicable scopes, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing clinical treatment protocols. The db/db mouse model at 12 weeks of age is employed, administering 8‐week treatments of 20% (w v −1 ) mannose solution and UCMSC injections, respectively. It is discovered that mannose not only significantly ameliorate glucose metabolism disorders but also markedly attenuates renal injury in late‐stage diabetic mice. Importantly, compared with UCMSC, mannose exhibits more pronounced effects in improving glucose metabolism and reducing renal damage. In terms of potential mechanisms, mannose is more effective than UCMSC in inhibiting the specific pro‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1β. In summary, compared with UCMSC, mannose demonstrates significant superiority in multiple key indicators for the treatment of late‐stage diabetes and the related nephrology. These findings offer a highly promising strategy for overcoming intractable systemic diseases, holding important clinical and research value.