Diabetes-Case-Mr. Cao

Mr. Cao from China

Age：36 years old

Nationality： China

Diagnosis：Diabetes

Admission Date：Oct 2016

Background

Since the beginning of 2014, the patient has developed symptoms such as dry mouth, polydipsia, polyuria, significant weight loss, and weakness of limbs. He has not controlled diet and loves sweets on weekdays, and does not pay attention to exercise. In September 2016, the patient had blurred vision of both eyes, the left eye had a significant decrease in visual acuity, and the right eye had good visual acuity. He was treated at a local hospital and combined with the results and symptoms to diagnose diabetes.

Pre-Treatment Condition（Before Stem Cell Treatment）

1. Symptom Onset (2007):
- Unexplained dry mouth, polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss.
- Poor dietary control (high sugar intake) and lack of exercise.
2. Diagnostic Findings (Pre-Treatment):
- Hyperglycemia: Fasting glucose 17.48 mmol/L, postprandial glucose 25.0 mmol/L, HbA1c 7.8%.
- Ocular Complications: Blurred vision (left eye worse); diabetic retinopathy VI (bilateral retinal hemorrhages, hard exudates, cotton wool spots).
- C-Peptide: Elevated (745.7 pmol/L; normal: 250–600).
3. Initial Treatment:
- Insulin therapy stabilized blood glucose, alleviating classic symptoms (dry mouth, polyuria, polydipsia).
4. Laser Therapy (Sept 2010):
- Bilateral retinal laser surgery performed; post-op vision remained **0.3 bilaterally** with minimal improvement.

Treatment Plan

One course of stem cell therapy
Surgical method: Interventional therapy + intravenous injection
Efficacy monitoring plan over 1 to 12 months post-treatment

After the First Course ofTreatment (1 months)

Symptoms Remission: Symptoms like dry mouth, polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia vanished.
Weight Increase: His weight rose by 2 kg.
Medication Adjustment: He discontinued oral anti - diabetes meds, and insulin injection dosage decreased from 30iu/day to 20iu/day.
Blood Indices: Blood glucose was stable, and glycosylated hemoglobin dropped significantly.
Vision Improvement: Vision improved from 0.3 to 0.5, enabling him to see surroundings clearly.

After the First Course ofTreatment (3 months)

Complete Symptom Resolution: All symptoms of dry mouth, polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia disappeared entirely.
Stable Weight: His weight remained the same as the last measurement.
Further Medication Reduction: Oral meds stayed stopped, and insulin injection dosage was cut to 12iu/day.
Normal Blood Indices: Blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and blood lipid levels were normal.
Vision Enhancement: Vision in both eyes increased to 0.6, with clear vision of surrounding objects.
Life Quality Upgrade: He could drive independently, indicating a marked improvement in life quality.

After the First Course ofTreatment (6 months)

Permanent Symptom Relief: Symptoms were completely gone, and his weight was stable.
Medication Cessation: He stopped all anti - diabetes meds and insulin injections.
Normal Blood Parameters: Both glycosylated hemoglobin and blood glucose levels were normal.
Stable Vision: Vision in both eyes stably remained at 0.6.

Symptoms	Post-op Phase 1	Post-op Phase 2	Post-op Phase 3
Severe dry mouth, polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss.	Symptoms (dry mouth, polydipsia, polyuria) resolved; weight ↑2 kg.	All symptoms fully resolved; weight stabilized.	Permanent symptom relief; stable weight.
Blood Glucose Control:Fasting: 17.48 mmol/L; HbA1c:7.8%	HbA1c ↓ significantly; stable glucose.	HbA1c & glucose normalized.	HbA1c & glucose normal without medication.
Medications: Insulin (30 IU/day) + oral antidiabetic drugs.	Insulin ↓ to 20 IU/day; oral meds stopped.	Insulin ↓ to 12 IU/day; no oral meds.	All medications discontinued.
Blurred vision (0.3 bilaterally); retinopathy VI.	Vision ↑ to 0.5; clearer surroundings.	Vision ↑ to 0.6; independent driving possible.	Stable vision (0.6).
Diabetic retinopathy VI; elevated C-peptide.	Retinopathy managed; no new complications.	No progression of retinopathy.	No complications; stable ocular health.
Debilitating fatigue; limited daily function.	Improved energy for daily tasks.	Regained independence (e.g., driving).	Full functional recovery; normal lifestyle.

Progress Summary & Future Outlook

Given his current progress, the future holds promise. With the stem cell treatment and ongoing anti-diabetes therapy, his blood glucose may remain stably normal, allowing him to completely halt insulin and oral medications. His vision could potentially improve further, enabling him to drive more confidently and engage in activities that were once challenging. He may be able to return to a normal diet, with proper moderation, and resume an active lifestyle. This new lease on life will not only enhance his physical health but also significantly boost his mental well - being and social interactions.