Islet Cell Transplant

A Promising Option for Some Diabetics

Islet cell transplant is an exciting new treatment option for some patients with Type 1 diabetes who have problems controlling their blood sugar through diet and daily insulin injections.

Using state-of-the-art technology, doctors extract islet cells (that is, insulin-producing cells called the "islets of Langerhans") from a pancreas, purify them and inject them into the patient’s liver, where the cells can thrive.

If conditions remain suitable, these islets begin to produce insulin, reducing the need for insulin injections. The goal is to have the cells produce enough insulin to control blood glucose levels without insulin injections.

Our Approach

The evaluation process begins with a referral by your doctor. You can initiate the process by contacting our referral coordinator at 800.543.8814.  Find out more about our approach.

A Note to All Patients
The United Network for Organ Sharing provides a toll free patient services line to help transplant candidates, recipients and family members understand organ allocation practices and transplantation data. You may also call this number to discuss a problem you may be experiencing with your transplant center or the transplantation system in general. The toll free patient services line is 888.894.6361.