Pancreas Transplants

Pancreas transplantation is an option for those with type 1 diabetes. A functioning pancreas transplant will control the blood sugar; a positive result is that that patients’ quality of life is improved as they do not have to give themselves insulin injections. Sometimes, the pancreas and kidney are transplanted together. People who have type 1 diabetes and meet criteria for kidney transplant can be considered for both a kidney and pancreas transplant. If someone has type 1 diabetes and the kidney function is good (60% or greater for longer than a year) then it is likely that only a pancreas is indicated.

The evaluation for a pancreas transplant is similar to that of kidney transplantation.  Potential pancreas or pancreas-after-kidney transplant candidates will undergo thorough medical evaluation to help identify medical problems or conditions that could interfere with a successful organ transplant. Treating problems early on helps increase the chances that you and your new organ will thrive after transplant surgery.