Definition

Pancreatic islet cell transplantation is the transfer of islet cells from a donor pancreas to another person. Islet cells contain beta cells that the body needs to make insulin. Type 1 diabetes happens when the body's immune system attacks and destroys beta cells. Newly transplanted islet cells can make insulin. This may reduce or eliminate the need for insulin injections.

The procedure is being studied as a method to treat people with chronic, uncontrolled type 1 (and some type 2) diabetes.

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Reasons for Procedure

This procedure may be done on people with severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) and those who cannot control their diabetes using other methods.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Excess bleeding
• Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Damage to nearby organs
• Transplanted islets that do not work as they should
• Antibodies develop against the donor cells
• Side effects from the medicines needed to stop the body from rejecting the transplanted cells

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• High or low blood glucose levels

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.