Pancreas transplant eligibility

People with type 1 diabetes often may be candidates for a pancreas transplant. Some people with type 2 diabetes and post-total pancreatectomy diabetes also may be eligible for a pancreas transplant.

Doctors recommend pancreas transplants for people with diabetes to:

  • Reduce or eliminate the risk of severe low blood sugar reactions
  • Eliminate the need for insulin injections
  • Potentially prevent or improve diabetes complications
  • Improve quality of life

Your transplant team will evaluate you to determine whether a pancreas transplant may be safe and beneficial for you. Doctors will conduct a physical examination, blood tests and other tests. Doctors will also test you to ensure you don't have serious conditions including heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease), cancer, serious foot or leg ulcers, or significant insulin resistance that may increase risk and decrease chances of success.

If your doctors and transplant team determine you're eligible for a pancreas transplant, your treatment team will explain benefits and risks of a transplant. Your transplant coordinator and other members of your team will provide you and your family with education about what to expect before, during and after your pancreas transplant.

July 11, 2013