The Use of Stem Cells in Diabetes Treatment: The Journey of Development and Existing Challenges

:Background: Diabetes mellitus remains a growing global health concern, with optimal control still difficult to achieve despite insulin therapy, mainly due to increased cellular resistance and progressive β-cell dysfunction. This review aims to highlight the potential of stem cell–based therapies in diabetes management, with a focus on the generation of pancreatic β-cells and strategies to overcome transplantation challenges.Materials and Methods: An extensive literature search was performed using databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Springer. Keywords including “stem cells in diabetes,” “β-cell transplantation,” and “immune rejection in cell therapy” were applied to identify relevant preclinical and clinical studies addressing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Results: Stem cell–derived pancreatic β-like cells have demonstrated the ability to restore endogenous insulin secretion and improve glycemic control in experimental models and early clinical trials. However, immune-mediated rejection remains a major limitation to successful transplantation. Current strategies to minimize this challenge include encapsulation technologies, genetic modifications to reduce immunogenicity, and tailored immunosuppressive protocols. Clinical applications have already shown promising outcomes, with some patients achieving improved insulin independence and metabolic stability.Conclusion: Stem cell therapy offers a promising and potentially transformative approach for diabetes treatment. While early clinical outcomes are encouraging, further research is required to enhance graft survival, ensure long-term safety, and optimize clinical protocols before widespread adoption can be achieved