What Researchers Did
This open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial investigated the efficacy and safety of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) infusion, with or without hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT), for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What They Found
Among 80 patients, the area under the curve of C-peptide significantly improved at 12 months in the BM-MNC+HOT group (34.0% from baseline) and the BM-MNC group (43.8% from baseline). These improvements were significant compared to the control group, while the HOT-only group showed no remarkable change. Treatment-related adverse events were mild, including transient abdominal pain (n=5) and punctual hemorrhage (n=3).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with type 2 diabetes might potentially benefit from therapies involving autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell infusion, as it showed improvements in islet function and metabolic control. However, this is an experimental treatment and not yet a standard option, requiring further research before clinical application.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
Limitations include its single-center, open-label design and relatively small sample size.