Who is a good candidate for a pancreas transplant?

Patients who have Type I diabetes with kidney failure should discuss this option with their nephrologist or endocrinologist to determine if they are medically suitable. The primary contraindications for transplantation are active infection or recent cancer.

In some cases, people who have Type I diabetes without kidney disease may also be eligible for pancreas transplantation. These candidates frequently experience life-threatening fluctuation of their blood sugars and have difficulty regulating their blood sugars over a long period of time. The transplant surgeons at University Hospital are available to discuss the option of pancreas transplantation with patients, their primary care physicians, nephrologists, or endocrinologists.

University Hospital’s transplant team will begin by requesting records from the primary care physician. Before any plans for surgery are made, the transplant team will evaluate the patient’s medical status and schedule a complete evaluation.

Candidates for pancreas transplantation must demonstrate that they are able and willing to be involved in their own care. A great deal of the transplant’s success depends on the patient’s ability to take medications as instructed and to follow the recommendations of the transplant surgeons and nurses.

Is there an age limit for a pancreas transplant?

Most pancreas transplant candidates are under the age of 50.

Back to About Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation

Back to Q&A