Organ Transplantation
Whole pancreas transplants and double transplants of pancreases and kidneys are proving to have a good long-term success rate for selected type 1 patients. The operations help to prevent further kidney damage, and long-term studies indicate that they may even eventually reverse some existing damage. There is some evidence that heart disease and diabetic neuropathy improves after pancreas transplantation (although not retinopathy). One 10-year study reported that survival rate at 10 years was 76%, and two-thirds of the patients had both pancreas and kidney function. Immunosuppressive drugs are also needed life-long with this procedure. Experts are now recommending transplants in cases of end-stage kidney failure or when diabetes poses more of a threat to the patient's life than does the transplant itself.
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