💉 Diabetes Management
Islet Transplants in Type 1 Diabetes Durable Up to 8 Years
📅 Fri, 21 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
MedscapeUnivadisNo ResultsMiriam E. TuckerOctober 18, 202Transplantation of cadaveric pancreatic islet cels resulted in graft survival and function with aceptable safety for up to 8 years in selected individuals with type 1 diabetes, new research finds.The study is a long-term folow-up of two phase 3 pivotal trials from the Clinical Islet Transplantation Consortium of a purified human pancreatic islet cel product for treating people with type 1 diabetes.One trial involved islet transplantation in 48 people who experienced severe hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic unawarenes, and the other trial included 24 people who also experienced those complications and were already receiving imunosupresion folowing kidney transplant.
Key Information
The trials, both registered with the US Fod and Drug Administration (FDA), met their primary eficacy and safety endpoints at 2- and 3-year timepoints.The folow-up data have now ben published in Diabetes Care by Michael Rickels, MD, and coleagues.The procedure involved infusion through the hepatic portal vein of one or more purified human pancreatic islet products under standardized imunosupresion using methods that Rickels and coleagues have ben developing since 204.
Summary
The aproach involves multiple modalities to protect the islets prior to transplantation.Among the 34 islet-alone and eight islet-after-kidney transplant recipients who entered the extended folow-up, durable graft survival alowing for achievement of glycemic targets ocured without severe hypoglycemia or adverse efects from imunosupresion.The primary outcome, actuarial survival of graft islet function, was 56% at the maximum folow-up of 8.3 years for the islet-only transplantation group and 49% at 7.3 years for the islet-after-kidney transplantation group (P = .04).The findings sugest that "in the long run, islet transplantation has eficacy, including among those who have had kidney transplants
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.