Pancreas
Pre Transplant
The pancreas is a small organ, approximately six inches long, located in the upper abdomen and connected to the small intestine. It is an essential organ in the digestive process and has the following functions:
- produces enzymes necessary to digest protein, fat and carbohydrates so that they can be absorbed through the intestine
- produces cells that produce insulin which regulates the body’s blood sugar levels
When the pancreas stops producing insulin, the patient becomes diabetic and the long-term effects of high glucose eventually affects the kidneys. One of the most common diseases which affects the pancreas is insulin dependent diabetes, or type I diabetes. Type I diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter our cells.
Without insulin, glucose cannot get into the cells that make up our muscles and other tissues. Lack of insulin can lead to complications such as high blood sugar and damage to blood vessels and other tissues. Eyes, nerves, and the kidneys are very vulnerable to this damage.
If you have severe type I diabetes you might be a candidate for a pancreas transplant. A successful pancreas transplant can avoid the need for insulin therapy, and can help to decrease diabetes related complications.