Islet cell transplantation improves life for the diabetic patient.
Islet cells come from a donor and are cells that sense blood sugar levels and make insulin.
Successfully transplanted islet cells make and release insulin in response to blood glucose levels and can provide more flexibility with meal planning and timing.
This can help to protect against longer term serious complications of diabetes such as heart disease and stroke.
But the patient must still take anti-rejection medications for the rest of their life, and will still have symptoms of diabetes, so it isn’t a cure either.
