A possible alternative to the transplantation of the whole pancreas organ

The MUHC has conducted the first islet cell transplant in Quebec. The breakthrough was made at the Glen site of the MUHC after the complex process of isolating islet cells from a donor pancreas was achieved at the MUHC Human Islet Transplant Laboratory. The procedure, which does not require surgery and reduces hospital stays ten-fold, is a significant advancement in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, and marks the first step in what researchers hope will be the development of a regional network for this novel therapy.
The infusion of islets – the clusters of pancreatic cells that produce insulin – is a non-surgical technique that is being explored in some academic medical centres as an alternative to the transplantation of the whole pancreas organ.
“As the procedure is minimally invasive, it represents an incredible improvement for patients, as well as the healthcare system, through reductions in risk and infection rates, improved recovery time, and hospital stays measured in hours to days, rather than weeks,” says Dr. Paraskevas, who is also an Associate Professor of Surgery at McGill University.

“Within a few days the patient began producing insulin on her own, and after several weeks she was completely insulin independent – the entire procedure could not have gone better.”

For patient, Zohra Nabbus, from Pointe Claire, Quebec, life with type 1 diabetes had become increasingly challenging. After kidney transplantation and unsuccessful pancreas transplantation, she was suffering more frequent episodes of hypoglycemia.

“It had got to point where I couldn’t be left alone anymore, so when I heard that islet cell transplant had been developed at the MUHC, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be a candidate,” Zohra Nabbus

Life has changed rapidly for Zohra Nabbus. “After living with type 1 diabetes for 35 years, it’s hard to get out of the habit of planning your meals, monitoring your blood sugar, and preparing your insulin, but finally I can,” she said. “I have more freedom and flexibility to live my life and I feel much more secure.”
 
Read full feature at: http://www.mcgill.ca/channels/news/muhc-conducts-first-islet-cell-transplant-quebec-254192
For more information visit: www.isletlab.org
Source Site: /newsroom