Islet Cell Transplantation
Definition
Pancreatic islet cell transplantation involves taking the cells that produce insulin from a second source such as a donor pancreas and transplanting them into a patient.
Purpose
Once transplanted, the new islet cells make and release insulin. Islet cell transplantation is primarily a treatment method for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, but it can also be used to treat patients who have had their pancreas removed or damaged from other medical conditions or injuries.
Demographics
An estimated 120–140 million people worldwide suffer from type 1 diabetes and could benefit from this procedure. However, islet cell transplantation remains highly experimental at this time and occurs only as part of a clinical...
[The entire page is 1498 words long]
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