Islet transplantation has become a promising treatment for selected patients with type 1 diabetes. Here we provide an overview of the procedure including its history, the process of donor selection, and the techniques and procedures involved in a successful transplant. A brief overview of the current immunosuppressive regimens, the long-term follow-up and the reported outcomes will also be discussed. While islet transplantation is currently generally reserved for adults with type 1 diabetes with severe hypoglycemia or glycemic lability, we herein consider the possibility of its application to the pediatric population.
Keywords: Cells; Diabetes; Islets; Pancreas; Transplantation.
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