Diabetes and pancreas transplants
There are different causes of diabetes that might lead to the need for a pancreas transplant
Key points
- A pancreas transplant is a treatment option for some patients with insulin-treated diabetes
- There are different causes of diabetes that might lead to the need for a pancreas transplant
- Most people with insulin-treated diabetes do not need a pancreas transplant
Types of diabetes
There are different causes of diabetes that might lead to the need for a pancreas transplant
Type 1 diabetes
This occurs when the patient’s own immune system attacks the cells within the pancreas (‘islets’) that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes often appears first in children and young adults.
Type 2 diabetes
This is due to a resistance to insulin – the patient’s cells are less able to act on the signal that the insulin sends to lower the blood sugar.
Do you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes?
A blood test can help tell if a patient has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The test looks for a small part of the insulin hormone called ‘C-peptide’. If the C-peptide levels are high or normal, it is more likely that the patient doesn’t have type 1 diabetes and has type 2 diabetes instead.
Other causes of diabetes
There are also other causes of diabetes, for example when the pancreas has had to be removed surgically, or rare genetic syndromes.
Discuss your options with your doctor
If you’re considering a pancreas transplant, your first step is to talk to your diabetes or kidney doctor.
If you and your doctor agree a pancreas transplant may be a good treatment for you, they will arrange for you to have a series of tests.
