New research suggests that stem cells from bone marrow may play an important role in helping to heal the broken bones of people with diabetes.  A research team led by Dr. Cynthia Coleman from the National University of Galway presented the findings recently in Dublin.

Diabetes can prolong the length of time it takes for broken bones to heal due to high blood glucose levels.  The condition can also increase the chances of an accident due to nerve damage in the eyes and feet.

Bone marrow stem cells from people who did not have diabetes were implanted in diabetes patients with bone fractures.  A second control group was not given stem cells.  The patients who were given stem cells healed much faster and had bones which were significantly stronger.

These stem cells were found to send signals within the body that compel the patient’s own cells to work more effectively at healing the bone fractures.  The stem cells did not integrate permanently with the patients bone marrow, but were in their system temporarily.

The research may have found a way to greatly reduce the pain experienced by diabetic patients who suffer from a bone fracture or break.  Bone marrow stem cells may also play a role in healing the bone fractures of people without diabetes.

Source: Bone healing in diabetics could be enhanced through human stem cells