Summary
Islets are cells found in clusters throughout the pancreas. They are made up of several types of cells. One of these is beta cells, which make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. Islet cell transplantation transfers cells from an organ donor into the body of another person. It is an experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin. A person who has type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to live. Transplanted islet cells, however, can take over the work of the destroyed cells. The beta cells in these islets will begin to make and release insulin. Researchers hope islet transplantation will help people with type 1 diabetes live without daily insulin injections.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Learn More
- Beta Cell Breakthroughs (American Diabetes Association)
- Innovative Approaches to Treating Type 1 Diabetes Addressed in Beta-Cell Replacement Presentations (American Diabetes Association)
- Islet Transplantation (American Diabetes Association) Also in Spanish
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Pancreatic Islet Transplantation
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
- What Are Islet Cells? (Diabetes Research Institute)
Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Islet Transplantation
(National Institutes of Health)