Reduced progression of diabetic microvascular complications with islet cell transplantation compared with intensive medical therapy.

Background: The effect of islet cell transplantation (ICT) on the progression of diabetic microvascular complications is not well understood.

Methods: We have conducted a prospective, crossover, cohort study comparing ICT with intensive medical therapy on the progression of diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy.

Results: The rate of decline in glomerular filtration rate is slower after ICT than on medical therapy.