Abstract

Background: Many patients struggle to achieve appropriate glucose control without side effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested for Diabetes Mellites (DM) treatment due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of umbilical cord MSCs (UCMSCs) for DM management through this meta-analysis.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, WOS, Embase, and Scopus, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of UCMSCs on DM (Types1, 2) till January 2024. Patient demographics, interventions, and outcomes, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%), C-peptide levels, and insulin requirements, were extracted. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used.

Results: Eight CTs with 334 patients (172 experimental, 162 control) were included. UMSCs treatment substantially lowered HbA1c levels (MD = −1.06, 95% CI [−1.27, −0.85], P < 0.00001), with consistent outcomes (i² = 0%, P = 0.43). Fasting C-peptide levels were heterogeneous but favored placebo (MD = 0.35, 95% CI [0.15, 0.56], P = 0.0007). In T1D patients, daily insulin requirements decreased considerably (MD = −0.24, 95% CI [−0.29, −0.18], P < 0.0 0001), with heterogeneity addressed by sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion: UMSCs therapy reduced HbA1c and insulin requirements and raised C-peptide. Multicenterclinical trials are needed toconfirm UMSC therapy’s long-term efficacy and safety.

Keywords: “Diabetes Mellitus,”“Diabetes Type1,”“Diabetes Type2,”and “Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells,”efficacy, Safety.