​What does the pancreas do

The pancreas is an organ that produces hormones that regulate the body’s sugar levels; with insulin being the most important.

Unfortunately, Type 1 diabetes destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This is called an auto immune attack, and occurs when the immune system mistakenly confuses the insulin producing cells as “foreign”.

When is a pancreas transplant needed?

Pancreas transplantation is the ultimate treatment for type 1 diabetes since it restores the cells that produce insulin (beta cells).

A pancreas transplant may be considered for the following:

• Diabetic patients who have trouble regulating their blood sugar with insulin injections, and are at risk of dangerously high sugar with ketoacidosis.
• Diabetic patients with hypoglycemia unawareness, where the patient is no longer aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The common symptoms of low blood sugar; dizziness, sweating and generally unwell feeling do not warn the patient of their condition until they are confused or become unresponsive.
• Type 1 diabetic patients with renal failure: In the case of renal failure, and the need for dialysis, a combined kidney and pancreas transplant should be considered as treatment.

Pancreas Transplant Program Caregivers

Our Pancreas Transplant Program is led by expert transplant surgeons, endocrinologists and nephrologists who provide cutting-edge surgical and medical care across all stages of transplant procedures:

• Pre-transplant evaluation
• Transplant surgery
• Post-transplant treatment and support

Pancreas Transplant Program Caregivers

The multidisciplinary Pancreas Transplant Program team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi includes:

• Transplant surgeons
• Endocrinologists
• Nephrologists

​VIEW ALL DOCTORS WHO CAN HELP WITH Pancreas Transplant ​

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