Diabetes: Islet Cell Transplantation
In islet cell transplantation, insulin-producing beta cells are taken from a
donor's pancreas and transferred into a person with diabetes. Once transplanted,
the donor islets begin to make and release insulin, actively regulating the
level of glucose in the blood.
What Are the Benefits of Islet Cell Transplantation?
A successful islet cell transplant can significantly improve the quality of
life for a person with diabetes.
Once transplanted, the islet cells automatically monitor sugars levels and
can regulate insulin levels by delivering the appropriate amounts needed to
normalize blood glucose levels, even as the body's needs change (for example,
after exercising or eating).
Successful transplantation can provide the following benefits:
- It can eliminate the need for frequent blood glucose measurements and the need for daily insulin injections. Although only a few are free of insulin injections a year after transplantation.
- It can provide more flexibility with meal planning.
- It can help protect against the serious long-term complications of diabetes, including heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and nerve and eye damage.
Next: What are the risks of islet cell transplantation? »
 |
 |
From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
|
|
- Diabetes - Information on Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) including types, causes, symptoms of diabetes, medications, and treatment. Produced by the doctors of MedicineNet.com Source:MedicineNet
- Diabetes Treatment - Learn about the different treatments for diabetes including: medications, insulin, insulin pumps, inhaled insulin, and insulin pens. Source:MedicineNet
- The Digestive System - Read about the digestive system from chewing food, swallowing, emptying into the stomach, through the small and large intestines, and then expelling waste through the anus. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic
- Read 10 more Islet Cell Transplantation related articles ...
|
| |
|
Specialty RSS
