|
|
|
Type I diabetes patients are often dependent on lifelong insulin therapy which can lead to kidney disease and renal failure, vision problems, hypertension, gastrointestinal disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. Other complications facing type I diabetics include peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcers, axillary arteriosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries to the limbs and to the heart), asymptomatic heart attacks and episodes of infection.
Patients who are candidates for simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant are generally between the ages of 19 and 50 and have end-stage renal disease with mild secondary complications. The goal of the kidney-pancreas transplant is to correct the end-stage renal disease and prevent the long-term consequences of diabetes mellitus, such as coronary artery disease, major peripheral vascular disease and early death.
Kidney-pancreas transplantation and pancreas alone transplant offer a number of positive options for patients, including:
- Freedom from dialysis
- Freedom from EPO injections and blood transfusions
- Fewer dietary restrictions
- Freedom from insulin injections
- Freedom from progression of diabetes complications
Center for Transplantation
Hillcrest Medical Offices South
4168 Front St., Second Floor
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 574-8612
Fax:(619) 296-1852 |