Effects of exercise in combination with autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation for patients with type 1 diabetes

ABSTRACTStem cell therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Previous studies recommended regular exercise for the control of T1D. Experimental studies showed that a combination of stem cells and exercise yielded a better outcome. Yet, the effect of exercise programs following stem cell transplantation in patients with T1D has not been investigated. Thus, the current study aimed to examine the effect of a combined exercise program on measures of glycemic control in patients with T1D who received autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation (ABMSCT). Thirty patients with controlled T1D were assigned into two equal groups. Both groups underwent ABMSCT and received insulin therapy and a diabetic diet regime. Only the exercise group followed the combined exercise program. Outcome measures of glycemic control (i.e. fasting blood glucose level [FBG], post-prandial blood glucose level [PPG], HbA1c, daily insulin dosage, and C-peptide levels) were tested before and af...