Stem Cell Treatment for Diabetes in Malaysia 2020: Review and Price

In recent years, stem cell therapy has gained popularity as a promising alternative treatment option for diabetes mellitus. However, there is also a lot of confusion due to the overwhelming mixing of credible scientific information and marketing hypes available on the internet.

We have compiled and summarised essential information below in layman's terms so that you can understand and make a better informed decision.


What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells can be viewed as master cells that can give rise to all types of cells in the body. Generally, stem cells are classified as unipotent, multi-potent or pluripotent according to their potential to differentiate. Stem cells can also be classified based on their source, for example, embryonic stem cells, foetal stem cells and adult stem cells.


Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. They are special because of their ability to self-renew, duplicate, regenerate and repair.

Stem cells have two important properties:

  • Capable of giving rise to all types of cells 
  • Capable of self-renewing indefinitely 
Clinical research has shown that certain adult stem cells can differentiate and produce insulin-producing cells that eventually could be used to treat people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

To learn more about the basics of stem cells, check out stem cell basics.

If you are in doubt about stem cell treatment, feel free to contact us.


Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus


Majority of stem cell research for diabetes is concentrated on Type 1 diabetes as it can be traced to the loss of a single cell type, the beta islet cell. Beta cells (β cells) are a type of cell found in pancreatic islets that produce and secrete insulin. In patients with type I or type II diabetes, beta-cell mass and function are diminished, leading to insufficient insulin secretion and high blood sugar.

Currently, two approaches are being used in research, using stem cells as beta-cell producing factories or as a beta cell repair catalyst. Both methods have the same goal which is to return the insulin to normal levels. Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) are running clinical trials and have a number of patients that are living insulin free after receiving a transplant of donor islet cells.

There are many ongoing efforts to understand how stem cell therapy is able to help people with diabetes. One of the main centres is the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, where you can view the areas of research being conducted specifically to understand diabetes.

Update 2019: A review, published in the Progress in Stem Cell journal suggested a combination of antioxidants, growth factors or hormones along with MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) in optimal combinations and concentrations for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.


Stem Cell Therapy Price Malaysia

Stem cell therapy prices will vary depending on the type of stem cells, the cell count and will also vary from clinic to clinic.

As a guide, the cost of mesenchymal stem cells in Malaysia will vary from MYR 30,000 (USD 7,100) to MYR 60,000 (USD 14,300) for 50 million - 100 million cells.

Some doctors may also recommend supplements to support the stem cell therapy. This may incur additional cost or may be included as part of the package.


Stem Cell Malaysia Review Update

Guidelines for cell and gene therapy products (CGTPs) issued by the Health Ministry will be enforced from 2021, says Dr Lee Boon Chye.

The Deputy Health Minister said it was to give stem cell industry players time to adopt the guidelines as the ministry did not want to hamper the growth of the industry.

“We view this industry as important even in its infancy stages,” he said at the Malaysian Association for Cell Therapy (MACT) annual symposium at TPC Kuala Lumpur in November 2018.

Find a Stem Cell Therapy Centre in Malaysia
Wrapping It Up

So, here you are. The best stem cell therapy clinics for Diabetes in Malaysia. If there are any major stem cell therapy clinics that we’ve missed then please let us know in the comments!

Disclaimer: Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes is classified as an Experimental Therapy by the Malaysian Ministry of Health at this moment.



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