Pancreas transplant: a solution for type 1 diabetes?

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes, although not as prevalent as type 2 diabetes, is also a disease in growth with repercussions in public health. Treatment typically concentrates in substituting the lack of insulin with exogenous injections and constant monitoring due to the risk of hypoglycemia; the fact that this condition is most prevalent in pediatric individuals only further hinders adherence to treatment. Thus, pancreatic transplant has emerged as a possible solution to the problems of insulin therapy. Although not all subjects are candidates for this procedure, those who qualify tend to greatly benefit from the procedure. Glycemic profiles and quality of life tend to improve significantly after the procedure. Those who do not qualify may instead benefit from an islet transplant. In general, the techniques of these procedures must remain under study so that they become more routinely and less extraordinary, with the intention of providing improved quality of life to patients. The objective of this review is to evaluate the different options within the concept of pancreas transplant, with their respective indications and complications.