A Promising Future: Stem-Cell Islet Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes May Reduce Insulin Injections
Living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) means constant management — insulin injections, monitoring glucose levels, and making daily decisions that affect blood sugar. For millions of families, technology like CGMs and insulin pumps have made life easier, but researchers continue searching for something even bigger: a functional cure.
Recently, researchers announced promising results from studies using stem-cell-derived islet therapies, which may significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for injected insulin in some people with T1D.
What Are Islet Cells?
Islet cells are clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. In people with Type 1 Diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys these cells, leaving the body unable to regulate blood sugar naturally.
Scientists have long explored islet transplantation, but one of the biggest challenges has been finding enough healthy donor cells.
This is where stem-cell technology becomes exciting.
The Breakthrough: Stem-Cell Derived Islets
Researchers are now able to create insulin-producing islet cells from stem cells in a lab. These cells can then be implanted into patients, where they may begin producing insulin in response to blood glucose levels.
In a recent study highlighted by the American Diabetes Association, some participants receiving these therapies experienced:
- Reduced dependence on injected insulin
- Improved glucose control
- Fewer severe hypoglycemia events
You can read more about the research directly from the American Diabetes Association here:
Stem-cell-derived islet therapies shown to reduce need for injectable insulin
While this therapy is still in clinical trials and not yet widely available, the results offer real hope for the future of T1D treatment.
Technology That Helps Today
Until breakthroughs like islet therapies become widely available, many people with Type 1 Diabetes rely on continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps to manage their condition.
Devices people commonly use today include:
- Dexcom CGMs
- Freestyle Libre sensors
- Omnipod insulin pumps
At T1DHeros, our family understands the daily reality of living with T1D. That's why we designed patches that help keep these devices secure through everyday life — from workouts and swimming to busy days at school or work.
Explore T1DHeros Patches
If you use a CGM or insulin pump, you can explore our collections designed specifically for each device:
Dexcom G7 & Stelo Adhesive Patches
Secure your Dexcom or Stelo sensor with breathable, flexible adhesive patches designed for everyday wear.
Freestyle Libre 3 Plus Patches
Comfortable patches designed to help keep your Freestyle Libre 3 Plus sensor in place while staying gentle on skin.
Omnipod Adhesive Patches
Extra support for Omnipod users who want their pod to stay secure during daily activities.
Are You Participating in an Islet Therapy Trial?
Clinical trials for stem-cell islet therapies are still ongoing, and researchers are continuing to learn how these treatments might help people living with Type 1 Diabetes.
If you or someone in your family is currently participating in a stem-cell or islet therapy clinical trial, we would truly love to hear about your experience.
The T1D community grows stronger when people share their journeys — both the challenges and the hopeful moments.
Feel free to reach out to us or share your story. Your experience could help others in the community better understand what these new therapies may look like in real life.
You can contact us through our website or message us on social media.
Looking Ahead
Advances like stem-cell-derived islet therapies remind us that progress is happening in the fight against Type 1 Diabetes. While there may not yet be a universal cure, each step forward brings us closer.
Until then, the T1D community continues supporting one another — through technology, innovation, and shared experiences.
At T1DHeros, we're proud to be part of that journey.