Islet Cell Transplantation
A new way of living with T1D
At the Alberta Diabetes Institute, we know that type 1 diabetes is more than numbers on a screen; it is a constant, lived experience. For some, Islet Cell Transplantation offers a chance to step back from the constant vigilance of diabetes management. This site shares the real, unfiltered stories of individuals who have navigated this journey, helping you understand the realities, challenges, and life-changing potential of islet cell transplantation.
This isn't science fiction—it is a community of people who have found a new way to live.
Understanding the Science of Islet Cell Transplantation
What is it?
Islet transplantation is a treatment for type 1 diabetes that involves transferring healthy islet cells from a donor pancreas into the liver. These cells take over the role of producing insulin, often helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reducing the severity of hypoglycemia.
The Edmonton Protocol
Developed at the University of Alberta, this world-leading program has helped hundreds of individuals reclaim their lives.
Who is it for?
Islet transplantation is a clinical treatment recommended for individuals who face significant challenges managing their diabetes, such as hypoglycemia unawareness or severe glycemic lability, where conventional insulin therapy is no longer enough. It is not an experimental procedure, but a recognized therapy with a clear goal: to improve your quality of life.
Meet Our Patients
Below are real people, real stories – through each stage of the Islet Transplant.
Every person’s experience of islet transplantation is different. These stories do not represent every possible experience or guarantee any particular outcome.
Mary Anna
ITx 1999
Diagnosed at age 11, Mary-Anna has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 40 years. Following a series of islet transplants, she has maintained insulin independence since 2019.
Earl
ITx 2000
Earl has navigated life with type 1 diabetes for over five decades. In 2000, he became one of the first participants in the pioneering Edmonton Protocol, achieving 30 months of insulin independence after 30 years of daily management.
Jason
ITx 2005
Jason has lived with type 1 diabetes for many years and has been fortunate to participate in Edmonton's pioneering islet transplantation program. Over the past 21 years, he has received four islet transplants, spending more than half of that time insulin independent.
Allyson
ITx 2011
With 24 years of life with type 1 diabetes, Allyson offers a unique perspective as a person living with T1D, a mother to two sons with the condition, and an islet transplant recipient.
Gary
ITx 2012
Gary is a retired executive who developed T1D more than 50 years ago when he was 21 years old. Because of frequent, severe hypoglycemia episodes he then underwent islet (after kidney) transplantation 14 years ago..
Kathleen
ITx 2012
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 27, Kathleen turned her personal journey into a professional mission. As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, she combines her clinical expertise with the lived experience of having undergone three islet transplants.
Brent
ITx 2021
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during university, Brent spent decades managing the condition while working to support his family. He sought islet transplantation to address debilitating, severe hypoglycemia episodes.
Interested in the Transplant Journey?
Click below to see the full progression of the patient journey through each stage starting with T1D diagnosis.
Interested in the Science?
ADI Director Dr. Peter Senior discusses the science, procedure, risks, and benefits of the transplant.
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This website shares personal experiences of diabetes and islet transplantation for educational and informational purposes only. Stories, videos, photographs, and quotations are published with permission from the people featured.
Each story reflects one person’s experience and perspective at the time it was recorded. Experiences, eligibility for treatment, risks, and outcomes vary. The stories are not intended to represent all patients’ experiences, recommend a particular treatment, or predict another person’s outcome.
Nothing on this website constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, or creates a clinician–patient relationship. Information on this website should not replace advice from your own healthcare team. Do not start, stop, or change treatment, or delay seeking medical care, because of something you read or watch here. Islet transplant program criteria ranges widely globally, and should be reviewed closely with your health care provider. The Edmonton Program is not accepting non-Canadian residents.
Medical knowledge and treatment practices change over time. Please speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your individual circumstances and available treatment options.
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We appreciate your feedback on the website.