Pancreas Transplantation

Pancreas transplantation offers hope for people with Type 1 diabetes, a disorder that causes the pancreas to stop producing enough insulin. There is evidence that transplantation can halt the progression of, and in some instances, prevent the onset of certain long-term diabetic complications.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for a pancreas transplant?
Experience indicates that individuals who have both diabetes and end-stage kidney disease may be best served by combined pancreas/kidney transplantation. Under these circumstances, the diabetic in need receives both a pancreas and a kidney from a single deceased donor. The transplant candidate may obtain a combined pancreas/kidney transplant prior to the need for dialysis. Please see our Kidney/Pancreas Transplant section for more information.

In some circumstances, Type I diabetics who do not have kidney disease may be eligible for a pancreas transplant without a kidney transplant. These candidates are individuals who frequently experience life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes and who have a great deal of difficulty regulating their blood sugars over a long period of time.

Candidates for pancreas transplantation or pancreas/kidney transplantation must show that they are able and willing to be involved in their own care. A great deal of the transplant’s success depends on the patient’s ability to take medications as instructed and to follow the recommendations of the transplant surgeons and nurses. Please see more in our Patient Journey section.

Current Patients:
TransChart Patient Management System

For more information about pancreas transplantation, please call or write to the pretransplant office:

The Ohio State University Medical Center
Pretransplant Office
770 Kinnear Rd.
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 293-6724
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.