How effective is islet cell transplant for men with T1D?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 38-year-old brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes five years ago and uses an insulin pump. He also has high blood pressure and takes Amlodipine for it. His latest HbA1c was 9.2%, which is concerning. His LDL (low-density lipid) cholesterol is 130 milligrams/deciliter, and his triglycerides are high at 210 milligrams/deciliter. Recently, he has been experiencing blurry vision and occasional numbness in his feet. Could these be signs of diabetic complications? The doctor mentioned islet cell transplantation, but we are unsure if it is right for him. What are your thoughts on this treatment, and are there any risks? We appreciate your advice on how to improve his overall health.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Islet cell transplantation could help manage type 1 diabetes by providing insulin-producing cells. However, there are risks, such as immune rejection and the need for lifelong immunosuppressive medications. To improve his health, he should focus on optimizing blood sugar levels through insulin adjustments, following a carbohydrates diet, and regularly monitoring his glucose. He should also address hypertension and high cholesterol with lifestyle changes and medications.

Encourage regular exercise, proper foot care, and eye exams to detect and manage complications early. Additionally, he should have regular health check-ups, including tests like complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests (LFT), kidney function tests (RFT), random blood sugar (RBS), and vitamin D & B12 levels, along with eye examinations every six months to prevent complications.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.