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.

The effect of medical therapy and islet cell transplantation on diabetic nephropathy: an interim report.

Background: The effect of islet cell transplantation (ICT) on renal function in type 1 diabetes is uncertain and some recent studies report a significant decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and worsening of albuminuria.

Methods: We are conducting a prospective crossover study comparing medical treatment with islet transplantation on the progression of diabetic complications, including renal function. The primary endpoint is change in GFR measured by Tc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate with secondary endpoints including estimated GFR and albumin excretion.