Is a person with Type 2 Diabetes or Pancreatic Cancer a candidate for a pancreas transplant?
No. Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes are fundamentally different. With Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin. With Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas continues to produce insulin, but the body does not properly use the insulin it makes. If you have Type 2 Diabetes, glucose builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy. Blood glucose levels must be managed by eating healthy meals and snacks, regular physical activity and taking diabetes medications (including insulin), as prescribed by a doctor. Patients with pancreatic cancer are not eligible for pancreas transplant. Other treatment options are available. Talk to your doctor.
