Allogeneic islet cell transplant is an experimental protocol specifically for your patients with long-term disease that cause difficulty in controlling their blood sugar.
For type 1 diabetes patients, islet cells from a deceased donor are extracted and then infused into your patient's liver in hopes that they may begin to produce insulin.
Successful allo islet cell transplantation may represent a pivotal development in diabetes management, potentially providing patients with better blood glucose control.
The typical candidates for allo islet cell transplantation have:
- Had type 1 diabetes for more than five years
- Diabetes-related complications like frequent blackouts due to improper doses of insulin
- Early signs of kidney problems
It’s important to note that islet cell transplantation for diabetes is still considered experimental and can only be conducted at approved centers, like Baylor Scott & White, which offers an FDA-approved islet cell processing facility and well-trained clinicians to handle complex and long-term medical needs of transplant patients.