Whole Pancreas and Islet Cells Transplantation for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Mini-Review and Middle East-North Africa Experience

Abstract

Pancreatic and islet cell transplantation are considered surgical therapeutic modalities for type 1 diabetes mellitus with or without end-stage renal disease. The pancreatic transplant can be performed alone or with the kidney transplant simultaneously or at different times. It contributed to an improved quality of life in those patients. Pancreatic transplantation and islet cell transplantation provide different degrees of insulin independence. Although the latter needs less monitoring, yet, it is more expensive and tedious. The experiences in the Middle East and North African countries for both procedures are young but mature. They need more scheduled national and/or regional programs to provide diverse options for their citizens.

Keywords: Diabetes.; Islet cells; Middle East; North Africa; Pancreas transplant.