Who qualifies for a pancreas transplant or a combined kidney-pancreas transplant?
The indication for a pancreas transplant is type I insulin dependent diabetes in a patient with a well functioning kidney or transplanted kidney. The indication for a combined kidney-pancreas transplant is type I insulin dependent diabetes with kidney failure. I have type II insulin dependent diabetes, do I qualify for a pancreas transplant? Unfortunately not; type II diabetes is caused from insulin resistance, not lack of insulin production. A new pancreas would not provide sufficient insulin production to maintain an insulin-free state. Will my insurance pay for a pancreas or combined kidney-pancreas transplant? Private insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, provides coverage for pancreas transplants. However, the costs may not be fully reimbursed. Our financial coordinators can assist you with information and planning. How long will it take before I don’t need insulin? Typically, you are insulin-free immediately after surgery, but in rare cases it can take 24-48 hours. How lon
