Islet cell transplantation more successful than previously thought

Islet cell transplantation as a means of alleviating or even curing the symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus may be more successful than previously believed, according to a new study.

The progress of the technique is likely to be impeded, however, as a result of a shortage of pancreases, the primary source of islets.

Previously, the success rate in transplanting pancreatic islet cells has been low, perhaps because of the toxic effects of immunosuppressive drugs on the islets. In this study, glycated haemoglobin values became normal in a series of seven patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who underwent islet cell transplants.

Their glycated haemoglobin levels remained …