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Islet Cell Transplantation
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Transplantation Donation

Islet Cell Transplantation

Islet cell transplantation is an experimental procedure that transfers insulin-producing cells from a donor to help people with type 1 diabetes manage their condition.

Overview

Islets are clusters of cells found throughout the pancreas. They are composed of several cell types, including beta cells, which produce insulin—a hormone essential for the body to use glucose for energy. Islet cell transplantation involves transferring these cells from an organ donor into the body of another person.

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

In individuals with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas's beta cells no longer produce insulin, necessitating daily insulin injections for survival. Transplanted islet cells can take over the function of the destroyed cells, beginning to produce and release insulin. Researchers are investigating this procedure with the goal of helping people with type 1 diabetes live without the need for daily insulin injections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most recipients receive islets from one or two donors in a single infusion, but some may need additional infusions later if graft function declines; the exact number varies with donor islet yield and recipient response.
Eligibility typically requires adults with type 1 diabetes who have severe hypoglycemia unawareness or difficulty achieving glucose control despite optimal insulin therapy, a low risk of severe cardiovascular disease, and the ability to undergo immunosuppression; each center may have specific criteria.
Risks include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs, which can increase infection risk, kidney strain, and certain cancers; there is also a chance the transplanted islets will not function adequately.
Coverage varies; many private insurers and Medicare consider it investigational and may not reimburse, though some centers offer clinical trial enrollment that can offset costs. The procedure is still classified as experimental in many regions, so patients should verify coverage and explore trial options before proceeding.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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