Judy Gradisek of Monaca, Pa., learned that she had type 1 diabetes at the age of 15.
Unfortunately, diabetes ran in the family. Judy’s grandfather had diabetes and passed away at the age of 69 from a heart attack.
For many years, she managed her blood sugar levels the traditional way: with finger pricks and insulin injections. But when she was about 40, Judy was told that she would need to go on dialysis soon or receive a kidney transplant.
At the time, she had low iron levels and was frequently tired, but was still able to keep working for her brother full-time at his dental practice.
Judy was referred to the UPMC Kidney Transplant Program. Because of her diabetes, she would need a simultaneous kidney and pancreas (SPK) transplant. Being an AB- blood type, she was hopeful a match would be found quickly.
On the Transplant Waiting List
Judy was added to the national transplant waiting list on July 5, 2000, and received her SPK transplant using a deceased donor on Nov. 20, 2000, after waiting only five months. The transplant completely prevented the need for dialysis treatment.
Judy’s mom served as her care partner after her transplant. She spent a week in the ICU and was moved to a recovery room for another week. Her family stayed close to help with her recovery.
After the transplant, Judy’s type I diabetes completely vanished.
“I had no idea that my diabetes could be completely cured!” says Judy.
Her A1C level is currently at 5.3, meaning that her blood sugar is at a healthy level. Judy takes a minimal number of immunosuppressant medications. She just celebrated the 25th anniversary of her transplant.
A Living-Donor Kidney Transplant
Although her pancreas is still doing well, Judy’s donated kidney began to fail in June 2019. Typically, deceased-donor kidneys last between 15 and 20 years. This time, Judy turned to her family to see if anyone was willing to become her living donor.
On Nov. 15, 2019, her brother gave her the gift of life and donated one of his kidneys to Judy. The kidney was a perfect match.
Both are doing well. In fact, in 2022, both participated in the Transplant Games of America in San Diego.
Judy’s treatment and results may not be representative of other cases.
