Study: Cord Blood May Help Fight Diabetes

U.S. scientists have discovered umbilical cord blood might safely preserve insulin production in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

University of Florida researchers said their finding marked the first attempt at using cord blood as a potential therapy for type 1 diabetes.

We hope these cells can either lessen the immune system’s attack on the pancreas or possibly introduce stem cells that can differentiate into insulin-producing cells, said pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Michael Haller, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Florida ‘s College of Medicine.

While this is a relatively small study we can confidently say this is safe and we have seen metabolic and immunologic changes to suggest there may be benefit, Haller said. It’s not curing diabetes, but this is a first step to help us learn more and get us moving in the right direction.

The research was presented Tuesday in Chicago during the American Diabetes Association’s 67th Scientific Sessions.