Pancreas Transplants

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The pancreas is an organ located near the lower part of the stomach.  The pancreas has basically two functions: it helps the body digest food and it helps the body use food.  Islets of Langerhans (also called islets or islet cells) are clusters of cells that contain cells that regulate blood glucose.  The alpha cells make glucagon, which raises the level of blood glucose.  The beta cells make insulin, which lowers the level of blood glucose.  Pancreas and islet transplantation are two forms of beta cell replacement therapy that may help people with diabetes regulate their blood sugar.

Both pancreas transplants and islet transplants are viable options for people with insulin dependent diabetes. Pancreas transplants have been performed since 1966 and are a generally accepted standard of medical care. Pancreas transplants are very successful in helping people with insulin-dependent diabetes improve their blood sugar and reduce the long-term complications of diabetes. For the patient, getting a pancreas transplant is a major operation. Similar to a pancreas transplant, islet transplants help the body to regulate its blood sugar by replacing beta cells. For the patient, an islet transplant is a much simpler and safer procedure.