islet transplantation

hello.i had diabetes when i was 11 and i suffered alot maybe because i wasnt expecting the fact that i have diabetes.but now im 17 and im using the insulin pump and its really helping me out,but sometimes im too careless.know that ive heared about islet tranplantation and they said it help cures people diagnosed with diabetes type 1 and 2....and i just wanted 2 make sure that after we do the islet transplant would their be any possibility for us to lose weight or that dosent have to do with our weight?and are we supposed to lose weight before doing the islet tranplant...im looking forward in doing the islet transplantation and my parents are also supporting and encouraging me....thank u

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hi,
Yes islet transplantation has shown some good promise in regard to curing Type 1 diabetes, but the procedure is complicated and usually reserved for folks that have failed usual therapies despite their very best efforts. (You would have to show that you failed on your pump while doing everything right on your own.) The procedure has some possible complications, just like any surgery , and you will still need to receive immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection. Most impotantly also, the data is still not great that this lasts, meaning that many people who have this procedure end up needing medications(sometimes insulin) in future again. The procedure is being refined very aggressively and I expect it will continue to improve and have better results.  I do not know specifically about weight requirements or loss in reard to the transplantation.

Take care.