Stem cell treatment of Diabetes mellitus type 1 & 2
Introduction
If you or a loved one is living with diabetes then you may already be aware its debilitating effects.
Diabetes is often called the "silent killer" because it attacks the body slowly and stealthily. Newly diagnosed adult diabetes patients are usually not overly concerned about it since their symptoms are often no more serious than frequent urination and increased thirst. Many other patients have no symptoms at all.
However, as time goes by, the consequences of both types of diabetes become increasingly serious and can lead to death. These include heart disease, eye problems, kidney failure, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction, to name a few. Major contributors to the degenerative effects of diabetes are hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemic events (acute low blood sugar). Recent studies suggest that even some oral diabetes medications contribute to heart failure. Thus, it is critical that men and women who are diagnosed with diabetes seek treatment to reduce hyperglycemia and hypoglycemic events that will, in time, trigger these dangerous, degenerative conditions.
Our innovative, autologous (originating from your own body) stem cell therapy for diabetes I and II does just that - drug free. It fights diabetes at its roots, reducing hyperglycemia and its associated complications (see above). Recent evidence suggests that it also reduces hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) events that can result in death if not treated promptly.
The XCell-Center has safely treated hundreds of diabetes patients to-date. Newly released follow-up statistics show that more than 50% of patients improve following treatment.
The Xcell-Center Diabetes Mellitus treatment
Diabetes patients are usually treated by injecting the stem cells into the pancreatic artery via catheter. Patients who cannot safely undergo the catheterization procedure may elect to receive the stem cells intravenously.
Both methods are outpatient procedures that require patients to stay in Germany 4 or 5 nights.
Bone Marrow Collection
On the
first day, bone marrow is collected from the patient's iliac crest
(hip bone) using thin-needle mini-puncture under local anesthesia.
Although some pain is felt when the needle is inserted, most
patients do not find the bone marrow collection procedure
particularly painful. The entire procedure normally takes about 30
minutes.
Once the bone marrow collection is complete, the patient may return to their hotel and go about normal activities.
More detailed information on the bone marrow collection procedure is available in the Bone Marrow Informed Consent document (PDF file).
Laboratory Processing
The next
day, the stem cells are processed from the bone marrow in a
state-of-the-art, government approved (cGMP) laboratory. In the
lab, both the quantity and quality of the stem cells are measured.
These cells have the potential to transform into multiple types of
cells and are capable of regenerating damaged cells such as
pancreatic beta cells.
Stem Cell Implantation
On the third day, the
stem cells are implanted into the pancreatic artery under local
anesthesia using a fine wire (catheter) that is inserted into the
patient's right femoral artery. X-ray scanning is used to guide the
catheter into the pancreatic artery where the stem cells are
injected through a small hole in the center of the wire. This
procedure takes about 90 minutes. Afterwards, the patient will
spend 2 or 3 hours in the recovery room to ensure that the entry
site is not bleeding.
More detailed information about the catheterization (angiography) procedure may be found in the Angiography Informed Consent document (PDF file).
Patients who cannot be treated by catheter, such as those with kidney problems, are offered an alternative intravenous stem cell implantation.
Patients who are suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy will receive a portion of their stem cells via intramuscular injections into the leg muscles.
Following Treatment
Patients are required to stay in town on the fourth day for general safety considerations. They may return home on the fifth day.
Treatment Results
Follow up statistics from 50 diabetes patients completed in July 2009 show that more than 50% experienced improvements after stem cell therapy.
40% of the patients were insulin dependent (type 1) and 60% were non-insulin dependent (type 2). About 4 of 5 patients were male and the average age was 51 years old.
Approximately 1/3 of insulin dependent patients improved following treatment while about 2/3 of non-insulin dependent patients improved.
Overall, improvements reported included more stable blood glucose levels, lower fasting blood glucose levels, decreased leg pain, lower blood pressure and the elimination of hypoglycemic episodes.
Nearly 1 in 4 male patients regained erectile function.
Please see Diabetes Treatment Results (PDF file) for the complete study.
Cost
The cost of the treatment depends on the method of cell application. An XCell-Center doctor will evaluate the medical records and blood work of a prospective patient to determine which application method would be most appropriate.
The price of the angiography treatment is 8,925 Euros.
The price of the intravenous treatment is 7,545 Euros.
Evaluation Process
In order to be evaluated for treatment, patients must complete an online medical history form. Once you've completed the online medical history and submitted it, a patient relations consultant will contact you within 3 business days. He or she will assist you with the rest of the evaluation process. Upon treatment approval, your consultant will also assist you with treatment scheduling and trip preparation.
