Who is able to have a pancreas transplant?


A pancreas transplant is a treatment option for a small number of people with insulin-treated diabetes

Key points

  • A pancreas transplant is an option for some patients with insulin-treated diabetes
  • A pancreas transplant is a major operation and comes with risks
  • Other treatments may be better for some patients
  • Talk to your pancreas doctor about the right treatment for you

Who can have a pancreas transplant?

A pancreas transplant is a treatment option for some patients who have major complications from their diabetes. This includes kidney failure or serious problems with low blood sugars (‘hypos’). Most patients with insulin-treated diabetes do not need a pancreas transplant. 

To have a pancreas transplant:

  • You must have insulin-treated diabetes
  • You must be experiencing major complications from your diabetes
  • You must be well enough to cope with major surgery
  • The transplant needs to have a good chance of success
  • You must be able to take the required daily medicines after a transplant, including immunosuppressant medicines

Why might you need a transplant?

Why a pancreas transplant might not be your best option

A pancreas transplant has lots of advantages but it also has some disadvantages, which may make it too risky for some patients.

The main disadvantages are:

  • A pancreas transplant is a major operation lasting 2-4 hours
  • If a kidney is transplanted at the same time as a pancreas (an SPK transplant), the operation can take 4-8 hours
  • The surgery can place a strain on your heart or lungs
  • You have to take powerful immunosuppressant medicines afterwards, which can lead to other serious medical problems
  • Some patients experience psychological difficulties afterwards

Learn more about the risks of a pancreas transplant

Other options to a pancreas transplant 

Most patients with insulin-treated diabetes do not need a pancreas transplant. For others, a pancreas transplant may be too risky. For these patients, there are other options.

What’s the safest option for you?

More information



You may also be interested in