The prognosis of Diabetic Nephropathy requires Persistent albuminuria (>300 mg per d; otherwise,>200 µg per min). These lab results must be confirmed on a minimum of two occasions 3-6 months apart. Other symptoms include a progressive decline in the glomerular filtration rate, elevated arterial blood pressure, and peripheral neuropathy.
Diabetes Induced Kidney Disease
Kidney disease, lupus, and heart disease are often a typical complication or side effects associated with diabetes. Statistics show that as many as 40% of the patients diagnosed with diabetes for more than 15 years acquire this complication (Diabetic Nephropathy).[1]
Today, diabetes-induced nephropathy is the most common type of chronic kidney disease that is treated at our regenerative stem cell hospital. Diabetic Nephropathy is also one of the most severe causes of other long-term complications that affect the morbidity and mortality of patients with diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is treatable but is directly accountable for 40-50% of all end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and polycystic kidney failure.[2]
Diagnosis of Diabetic Nephropathy
The diagnosis of diabetes-induced Nephropathy follows screenings for microalbuminuria and routine lab urinalysis during the onset of diabetes.[3] The Patients might exhibit other signs and symptoms related to having diabetes mellitus, such as strokes and autoimmune IgA nephropathy. For such cases, early diagnosis and treatment intervention using UC-MSC+ stem cells is recommended. This prevents or, at worst, delays the worsening of diabetes-induced kidney disease, pancreatitis, heart attacks, ED, or nephropathy.
Cell treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy offered by the Regen Center is an intensive modern medical procedure that uses UC-MSC+ renal stem cells enhanced and then re-introduced into the body to transform the damaged cells into new efficiently functioning cells. The primary purpose of stem cell regeneration treatments is to repair the damaged islet-like cells to reduce glomerular hypertrophy and glomerular membrane thickness and increase renal tubular membranes. If the patient discovers and treats the disease early with stem cell treatment for diabetic nephropathy, they will have a better chance of restoring their damaged kidney functions and repairing the body’s natural function of secreting insulin.
What is the difference between diabetic neuropathy & diabetic nephropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy and diabetic nephropathy are both severe complications arising from prolonged and poorly controlled diabetes, but they affect different parts of the body and present distinct clinical manifestations. Diabetic neuropathy, a nerve damage resulting from sustained high blood glucose levels, can injure nerves throughout the body, but most commonly in the legs and feet. Early detection and management of symptoms, such as pain, tingling, numbness, and loss of sensation in the extremities, can prevent complications like foot ulcers and infections due to unnoticed injuries. There are several types of diabetic neuropathy, each affecting different nerve groups and presenting varied symptoms, from digestive issues and urinary problems to muscle weakness and localized nerve pain.
On the other hand, diabetic nephropathy is a specific form of kidney damage resulting from Type 1 diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. This condition can progress through stages, from microalbuminuria, where small amounts of protein are present in the urine, to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where kidney function is severely compromised, potentially requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Symptoms of diabetic nephropathy often develop slowly and might include swelling in the feet and ankles, increased blood pressure, and worsening blood glucose control. Managing diabetic nephropathy involves strict blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and medications to reduce protein loss in urine.
So, while diabetic neuropathy and diabetic nephropathy stem from chronic high blood sugar levels, neuropathy affects the nerves, leading to sensory and motor issues. In contrast, nephropathy affects the kidneys, leading to progressive renal dysfunction. Both conditions require diligent management of blood sugar levels and may involve different cell therapy strategies to prevent progression and manage symptoms.
Stem Cell Transplants for Diabetic Nephropathy
Stem cells can alter, contain, and reverse the effects of diabetic nephropathy. In numerous instances, patients have eliminated the need for insulin injections, prevented dialysis, and reduced the risk of developing Diabetic Eye Disease. The epithelial cells of the interstitial cells and the epithelial cells brought about by chronic inflammation, virus infection, and bacterium are renewed with the aid of Mesenchymal stem cells used in Functional medical treatments. In addition to helping regenerate the pancreas, stem cell treatment for diabetic nephropathy can also slow down or stop progressive kidney diseases while strengthening the immune system from other harmful etiological elements.[4]
Updated 2024 Treatment Protocol Overview
The number of Enriched UC-MSC+ Cell Infusions for Diabetic Nephropathy will depend on patient needs.
Type of Stem Cell Delivery Methods Needed for Diabetic Nephropathy: Clinical grade enriched mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC+) delivered in a multi-stage treatment using a combination of Intravenous Injections (IV Drips), Intrarenal Injections, Intraperitoneal Injections with growth factors (for homing) or Intra-arterial Injections to improve delivery efficiency and allow for higher concentration of stem cells to reach the affected areas, and helping to enhance the overall therapeutic effects.
Rehabilitation Treatment for Diabetic Nephropathy using Stem Cells: Rehabilitation therapy for diabetic nephropathy is available at an extra cost (2 hours per day and five days per week)
. Medical visas and accommodations for an extended stay can also be included upon request. Treatment length needed for Diabetic Nephropathy with isolated UC-MSC+ stem cells at our treatment center in Bangkok is about 14 days and can be longer depending on stage and severity.
Diabetes Nephropathy Treatment Guidelines
Stem Cell Treatment for Diabetic Nephropathy will require an estimated two weeks in Bangkok, Thailand. Due to the varying degrees/stages of organ damage, our medical team will need to understand the patient’s condition better and pre-qualify the potential candidates before providing treatment options. Upon approval, a detailed treatment plan will be provided with recommendations on the management of diabetic nephropathy that will include specifics such as the exact number of nights required in Thailand along with the total medical-related costs (excluding accommodations or flights). To begin the qualification process for our multi-stage treatment protocol, please prepare your recent medical records (Biochemistry results, Genetic Tests for Diabetic Nephropathy, and Radiology scans from an MRI, CT, or Abdominal Ultrasound Scan) and contact us today.
Published Clinical Citations
[1] ^ Yang, Guang, and Qing-li Cheng. 2013. [Stem cells and diabetic nephropathy]. Beijing da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Peking University. Health sciences, no. 3 ( 18). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23774938
[2] ^ Lee, Seung Eun, Jung Eun Jang, Hyun Sik Kim, Min Kyo Jung, Myoung Seok Ko, Mi-Ok Kim, Hye Sun Park, et al. 2019. Mesenchymal stem cells prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy by improving mitochondrial function in tubular epithelial cells. Experimental & molecular medicine, no. 7 (July 9). doi:10.1038/s12276-019-0268-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31285429
[3] ^ Hamza, Amal H, Widad M Al-Bishri, Laila A Damiati, and Hanaa H Ahmed. 2016. Mesenchymal stem cells: a future experimental exploration for recession of diabetic nephropathy. Renal failure, no. 1 (October 23). doi:10.1080/0886022X.2016.1244080. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27774826
[4] ^ Bochon, Benjamin, Magdalena Kozubska, Grzegorz Surygała, Agnieszka Witkowska, Roman Kuźniewicz, Władysław Grzeszczak, and Grzegorz Wystrychowski. 2019. Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Potential Applications in Kidney Diseases and diabetic nephropathy treatments. International journal of molecular sciences, no. 10 (May 18). doi:E2462. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31109047