- Pancreatic islet transplantation is an advanced cell-based therapy designed to restore insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes.
- The procedure involves isolating functional islets (clusters of insulin-secreting beta cells) from a donor pancreas. These islets are then transplanted into the recipient’s liver through the hepatic portal vein in a minimally invasive infusion. Once implanted, the islets integrate into the liver tissue, establish a vascular connection, and begin to produce insulin in response to the body’s blood glucose levels.
- This treatment offers significant benefits for individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, particularly those who experience recurrent, severe hypoglycemia despite intensive insulin therapy.
- By re-establishing endogenous insulin production, islet transplantation can lead to improved blood glucose regulation, reduced insulin requirements, and, in some cases, temporary insulin independence. It also enhances quality of life by decreasing the risk of life-threatening hypoglycemic events.
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