INSULIN INDEPENDENCE IN A TYPE-1 DIABETIC PATIENT AFTER ENCAPSULATED ISLET TRANSPLANTATION

Identification of a biocompatible immunoprotective membrane to prevent graft rejection remained elusive until the development of microcapsul es formulated in alginate high in guluronic acid. We report insulin in dependence in a type 1 diabetic patient after encapsulated islet trans plantation. Encapsulated human islets were injected intrapperitoneally in a diabetic patient with a functioning kidney graft. Insulin indepe ndence with tight glycaemic control was demonstrated 9 months after th e procedure. These results warrant a trial of a high dose of encapsula ted islets in early-onset diabetic patients.