Pancreas and Islet Transplants for People with Diabetes

Pancreas and islet transplants are two potential treatment options for people with type 1 diabetes whose blood sugar levels are difficult to control. In both cases, the goal is to restore the body’s natural ability to produce insulin.

Pancreas transplants involve replacing a person’s own pancreas with a healthy pancreas from a deceased donor. This procedure is typically reserved for people who also need a kidney transplant due to complications from diabetes. The new pancreas is implanted in the abdomen, and the person’s own pancreas is usually left in place. The transplanted pancreas can produce insulin, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Islet cell transplantation involves implanting clusters of insulin-producing cells (islets) from a donor pancreas into the liver of a person with type 1 diabetes. The transplanted islets can produce insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. Islet transplantation is a less invasive procedure than pancreas transplantation, and it does not require the removal of the person’s own pancreas.

Both pancreas and islet transplantation carry risks, including the need for immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the transplant. These medications can have significant side effects and increase the risk of infections and certain types of cancer. As a result, these procedures are generally reserved for people with severe complications from type 1 diabetes who have not responded to other treatments.