Comparative efficacy of regenerative therapies for β-cell preservation in diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

Diabetes mellitus, which is associated with progressive loss of pancreatic β-cells, leading to insulin deficiency and hyperglycaemia, is of global health concern. Regenerative therapies, including stem cell therapies, have potential to address β-cell depletion and improve diabetes outcomes. The objective of this review was to compare the efficacy of stem cell-based regenerative therapies for the management of patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In carrying out this review, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar were the primary databases consulted. The analysis of 9 studies, including 5 randomised controlled trials and 4 non-randomised studies, revealed modest improvements in C-peptide levels, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a mean difference of 0.09 (95% confidence interval: -0.03, 0.21; p-value = 0.13), suggesting some benefit for β-cell preservation. However, the therapies did not show improvements in glycated haemoglobin levels, an increase in glycated haemoglobin level was observed, with a mean difference of 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.27, 1.15; p-value = 0.002), indicating worsening of glucose control, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although stem cell therapies show promise for β-cell preservation, such interventions do not appear to improve glycaemic control. This research has significant implications for clinicians involved in diabetes care, particularly those exploring regenerative treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and it underscores the necessity for personalised therapeutic strategies that account for the distinct pathophysiological mechanisms in these types of diabetes Received: 21.01.2026 | Revised: 27.04.2026 | Accepted: 26.05.2026