Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Although the exact mechanism is not yet known, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Current treatment of diabetes relies on insulin injection or insulin pump. Transplantation of pancreatic islets may provide a potential cure in the future. Recent studies have focused on the possibility of using stem cells to generate pancreatic islets. Embryonic stem cells therefore may become a promising tool for cell-based therapy of type 1 diabetes.

The Alpha Stem Cell Clinic at UC Irvine is currently conducting a stem cell clinical trial for type 1 diabetes.