For those type 1 diabetics who must inject insulin daily, an islet cell transplant could be their saviour. Picture: Supplied
Source: HWT Image Library
SPECIALISTS are calling on the nation’s health ministers to commit to funding a life-saving transplant program – the closest thing to a cure for type 1 diabetes.
The revolutionary program injects insulin-producing clusters of pancreatic islet cells extracted from a donor’s organ through a portal vein into the liver.
SA program leader Associate Professor Toby Coates of the University of Adelaide says it can be lifesaving for patients whose blood sugar drops unexpectedly, which can cause coma, or death.
“This program has completely changed the lives of recipients, and had their diabetes cured,” he said.
Patient Margaret Harrigan, 60, of Lyrup in the Riverland, said the transplant had given her freedom for the first time since she was diagnosed at 23.
“I have gone from being a really incurable diabetic … it is just the most incredible thing.”
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Previously she had had to test her blood sugar by fingerpricking as many as 20 times a day.
Since the trial began in 2005, 18 people across the nation have received the treatment.
For it to continue, health ministers will have to commit to about $2.8 million, half of which would be funded federally. It is estimated SA would need to commit about $100,000.
