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No pig islets needed
A 55-year-old woman whose pancreas was removed due to chronic pancreatitis is not without a pancreas, thanks to the ingenuity of surgeons at the Methodist Hospital in Houston. After they removed her pancreas, they extracted its islet cells and implanted them into her left forearm, creating what they call a functioning pancreas in her arm. (Transplanted islet cells are usually injected into the liver, but in this case the patient's liver had damage that precluded its use.) Apparently the patient is recovering handily and should be armed with insulin as soon as the transplanted cells become fully functional.
Source: The Methodist Transplant Center
Categories: Insulin, Islet & Pancreas Transplant, Type 1 Issues
Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes- both newly diagnosed and experienced as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues.

Comments
"Grandmother Armed With" and "recovering handily"? Groan at the puns. Interesting concept, though.
I have been a Type 1 diabetic for 46 years. I read this article on transplanted islet cells and other articles. I am curious, why can't they transplant islets from a relative or spouse into a Type 1 diabetic? You mention they usually plant islets into the liver? Is this operation presently being done? Would you please refer me to someone who can answer these questions? Thank you, Don
The immune system attacks the new ß-cells, doesn't it?
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