[From stem cells to functional beta cells in type 1 diabetes].

Although the reconstitution of a functional β-cell mass by transplantation of isolated islets can restore euglycaemia in the absence of insulin treatment, a shortage of donor material is preventing the use of cell replacement therapy for treatment of type 1 diabetes. Advances in directed differentiation of stem cells towards β-cells via stepwise recapitulation of embryonic development demonstrate that stem cells may be an appropriate source for the generation of therapeutic cells. In the present article, we highlight some of the critical issues impeding the translation of stem cell-based therapies to the clinic.