For 38-year-old Jose Rosario, a resident
of Newark, life had improved considerably since his kidney
transplant last year. He was off dialysis and better able
to manage day-to-day activities. However, Jose’s
years of dependence on insulin to treat Type I diabetes
was taking its toll. Still unable to work, he decided to
be placed on the list for a pancreas transplant. Nine months
after his kidney transplant, Jose received a new pancreas.
Within just weeks, Jose was off insulin and free of the
restricted diet he had followed for most of his life.
 “I
was insulin-dependent for 23 years. My quality of life
was poor. My health had deteriorated to the point that
I was unable to work, unable to play sports or participate
in any type of physical activities. I was following a highly
restricted diet and giving myself insulin shots every day
for years – it was really wearing on me,” remarked
Mr. Rosario.
“Today, I’m a new person. No
longer dependent on insulin, I am
able to play, able to work – I am able to finally live,” he
added.
While the results of a pancreas transplant
may vary from
patient to patient, the proposed benefits of PAK or SPK
transplantation are remarkable nonetheless:
- Kidney transplantation will eliminate
the need for dialysis.
- Pancreas transplantation will control
the blood sugar in the recipient.
- Patients will have no need for insulin
following a successful PAK or SPK transplant.
- Patients will have minimal dietary
restrictions.
- A transplanted pancreas can delay,
prevent, or in some cases, improve the secondary complications
of diabetes.
- Patients will experience a significant
improvement in their quality of life.
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