Objective        To study the efficacy and safety of autologous bone marrow stem cells （BMSCs）transplantation via dorsal pancreatic artery（DPA）for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).       Methods        Six T2DM patients aged 45.67±14.92 years (3 males and 3 females) admitted to our department from June 2009 to April 2011 were enrolled in this study. The patients underwent BMSCs transplantation. Their bone marrow was mobilized and collected. BMSCs were isolated and infused into the DPA. Changes in fasting and postprandial blood glucose level

glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value

function of pancreatic islets

area under curve for C-peptide (AUCC)

and insulin dose were observed. Adverse reactions of BM-SC transplantation for T2DM were recorded during and after operation with its safety and efficacy assessed.       Results        The HbA1c value  decreased from (10.33±2.78)% before operation to (7.05±0.90)% after operation，which was 7% in 2 patients. The fasting C-peptide（FC-P）level increased from (0.71±0.54) ng/ml before operation to (1.54±0.63) ng/ml after operation. The 2 h postprandial C-peptide（2 h C-P）level increased from (1.63±0.88) ng/ml before operation to (4.67±2.31) ng/ml after operation. The mean AUCC increased from (2.29±1.31) ng/ml before operation to (6.05±2.94) ng/ml after operation. The insulin dose decreased from (27.17±13.08) U/d before operation to (18.63±7.04) U/d after operation. Subcutaneous insulin injection was withdrawn in 2 patients who changed to have oral hypoglycemic drugs.  No adverse reaction occurred during autologous BMSCs transplantation and follow-up. The tumor markers and amylase level were normal before and after BMSCs transplantation.       Conclusion        Autologous BMSCs transplantation can improve the function of pancreatic islets of T2DM patients and decrease their dependence on  hypoglycemic drugs with rather good safety.