Authors' recommendations: The definition of success for islet transplantation remains controversial. Insulin independence may not be an appropriate clinical outcome for islet transplantation. Islet transplantation should aim at reducing the doses of required insulin therapy and the frequency of severe hypoglycemia events; these outcomes would improve patients' quality of life and would improve glycemic control to prevent long-term diabetic complications. Islet transplantation is a complex procedure that has undergone continuous evolution over the past decade. It offers an alternative treatment option for a small group of patients with severe hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia unawareness, and brittle diabetes, who have failed to respond to standard treatment and management. Its safety and efficacy/effectiveness in these highly select patients has been extensively investigated. The role of islet transplantation in the long-term treatment of T1DM has yet to be determined because of the potential risk of immunosuppression-related side effects, the absence of sustained long-term treatment effects, and the insufficient supply of donor pancreata.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: http://www.ihe.ca/advanced-search/islet-transplantation-for-the-treatment-of-type-1-diabetes

URL for additional information: http://www.health.alberta.ca/initiatives/health-evidence-reviews-list.html

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Institute of Health Economics

Contact Address: 1200, 10405 – Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 3N4, Canada. Tel: +1 780 448 4881 Fax: +1 780 448 0018

Contact Name: info@ihe.ca

Contact Email: info@ihe.ca

Copyright: Institute of Health Economics (IHE)