Islet cell transplantation FAQ
Q. What is an islet cell transplant?
A. Islets are clusters of cells found within the pancreas, which contain the insulin-producing beta cells. In Type 1 diabetes, these beta cells are destroyed by the body’s own immune system.
Islet cell transplantation involves replacing these destroyed cells with healthy ones that have been taken from donated pancreases. It is a process that has been refined by James Shapiro and Jonathan Lakey in Canada. They isolated islet cells from donor pancreases and injected them into the liver of people with Type 1 diabetes.
The transplant is carried out under local anaesthetic in the radiology department of a hospital. Surgeons and radiologists use ultrasound and radiography to show them the correct part of the liver in to which the cells should be transplanted. Once in the liver the cells develop a blood supply and begin producing some insulin. The particular transplantation procedure pioneered by James Shapiro and Jonathan Lakey is now known as the ‘Edmonton Protocol’ after the area in Canada in which it was developed.
An islet cell transplant can be a very effective way of eliminating the problems caused by serious hypoglycaemia.
Q. Can I have a transplant / Who is eligible?
A. Only people with Type 1 diabetes who have lost their early warning awareness symptoms for hypoglycaemia are considered for these transplants.
Patient selection criteria:
You may be eligible if:
You must have had Type 1 diabetes for more than five years
You must be aged between 18 and 65
Your insulin and healthy diet regimne are failing to control your blood glucose levels, despite best efforts, often causing severe hypos.
You must match all the above criteria and this will be based upon the judgement and previous knowledge of healthcare professionals in your diabetes care team.
People who satisfy the above criteria and who are undergoing or have undergone a kidney transplant are also eligible for islet cell transplantation.
People with Type 1 who have insulin resistance or who have had repeated episodes of DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis / serious hyperglycaemia) will not be considered for an islet cell transplant.