$Unique_ID{BRK02053}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Pancreas Transplantation and Future Treatments for Severe Diabetes}
$Subject{diabetes diabetic insulin injections pancreas transplants kidney
transplant surgery transplantation surgeries kidney failure xenografting
Islands of Langerhans islet cells}
$Volume{}
$Log{
The Islets of Langerhans*0002905.scf
Anatomy of the Kidney*0004801.scf
Cross Section of a Kidney*0004901.scf
Structure of the Pancreas*0009801.scf
Diabetes Mellitus*0009802.scf
The Functions of Insulin*0009803.scf
Anatomy of the Pancreas*0016601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Pancreas Transplantation and Future Treatments for Severe Diabetes


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QUESTION:  My sister's diabetes is not being kept under control by her current
treatments using insulin injections.  She is still a young woman in reasonably
good health, but we fear that in the future she faces gradually declining
health.  Have you heard anything about pancreas transplants, and do you think
that she should consider this operation?  Her family is behind her with all
the support she needs, but we need advice and information.  Won't you please
help us?

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ANSWER:  Pancreas transplantation is not yet considered as an option for
diabetic patients whose principle problem is one of control.  The first
experimental transplants using organs from deceased donors began in 1966,
and was first considered proven enough to be considered as a "treatment" in
1986.  Although almost 65 institutions around the United States now perform
these pancreas transplants, almost all these operations are reserved for
individuals who are to receive a kidney transplant.
     Diabetics who have had pancreas transplants are already suffering from
the complications of advanced diabetes.  About 85 percent of these transplants
are still functioning well a year after the operation, and the progress of the
complications has been slowed.  However, such transplants for people without
kidney failure are still considered experimental, and are available only in a
few specialized research centers.
     Current investigations to solving the problems of severe diabetes with
transplants are now looking to using the tissue from animals (xenografting).
The cells of the Islands of Langerhans (islet cells) in the pancreas produce
insulin, and the insulin produced by these cells in pigs is very close to that
of human insulin.  However, since human immune systems reject tissue from
other species, or even other individuals, this research must first overcome
rejection failures before this new technique could become available, and this
may not occur for years, if ever.  Your sister therefore must concentrate her
efforts on controlling her diabetes through those treatments now available:
insulin, exercise, and proper diet.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.