Transplantation can be a life-enhancing option that improves quality and length of life.
At UPMC, we carefully evaluate potential candidates for kidney or pancreas transplants. For those who don’t meet transplant eligibility requirements, we work with referring physicians to determine alternative treatment options.
Candidates for kidney transplant may include people:
Research has found that people who have had a successful kidney transplant generally live longer and have fewer medical complications than those on dialysis.
Because kidney complications are common in people with diabetes, some may be candidates for a simultaneous kidney-pancreas or pancreas-after-kidney transplant.
Kidney-pancreas transplants may benefit people with type 1 diabetes who have underlying kidney problems, such as:
Ideal candidates for pancreas transplant have diabetes, but do not have kidney failure, such as those with:
Pancreas transplants can be performed after a successful kidney transplant on patients who still have diabetes.
Our multidisciplinary team of kidney and pancreas transplant experts will work with you to decide the best possible treatment option for your needs.