The UF Health Shands Pancreas Transplant Program has performed more than 100 transplants in the last nine years.

Pancreas transplantation is one option available for people with Type I diabetes mellitus. A successful transplant can eliminate the need for insulin and return you to a more normal lifestyle. However, the success of the transplant depends on you.

There are three types of pancreas transplants:

• Simultaneous pancreas and kidney
• Pancreas after kidney
• Isolated pancreas only

Pancreas transplant is less common in people with Type II diabetes mellitus, if it’s an option at all. Some people with Type II diabetes who have a lower BMI and require low amounts of insulin may qualify for a pancreas transplant, but it is rare. In Type II diabetes mellitus, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body's cells have a relatively low sensitivity to the insulin and are therefore unable to use the insulin in a beneficial manner. People with Type II diabetes suffer from constant hyperglycemia despite the insulin produced by their pancreas and usually have to take oral medication to control their blood sugar.

During transplant surgery, your donated pancreas will be placed in the lower abdomen and connected to large blood vessels and the intestines. Each pancreas transplant procedure requires that the incision is made in the middle of the lower half of the abdomen. If you are receiving a kidney and a pancreas, they will both be placed in the lower abdomen.

A pancreas recipient will usually stay in the hospital for 7-10 days due to your intestines taking more time to wake up and function after this operation. During this time, you will be recovering and learning about your new organ(s). Daily labs help the transplant team manage the medication doses. You will also be given information on how to care for your new organ and live a healthy life.