US transplant centers aren't just considering Type 1 diabetics when they review transplant cases - they are picking the most robust candidates, the ones most likely to survive the transplant process. These candidates can sometimes include Type 2 diabetics.

The researchers surveyed 44 transplant centers in the US and found that of all the transplant recipients in 1999, fewer than 2 percent were Type 2 diabetics. This percentage is notable because Type 2 diabetics are not typically considered for transplants, since it can be effectively maintained through other means.

Type 1 diabetics are more likely to receive transplants because their version of the disease typically shows up in childhood, from an immune system attack on the pancreatic cells that produce insulin.

What role does insulin play in type 1 and 2 diabetes?

Insulin is an important hormone in the body. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

• Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
• Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin.

How do people get type 1 diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas, an organ near your stomach, produces insulin. The pancreas contains cells called beta cells. Beta cells have a vital job: They make insulin, a hormone that helps cells take in the sugar they need. Sometimes, the beta cells get wiped out and cannot produce insulin anymore.

Many things might have killed your beta cells, but in most people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system makes a mistake. Cells that normally protect you from germs attack your beta cells instead. The beta cells die and you can't make insulin. Sugar builds up in your blood, and you get diabetes. In some cases, a new pancreas -- or a transplant of insulin-producing pancreatic cells -- can help control the disease.

How do people get type 2 diabetes?

In type 2 diabetes by far the more common form, the pancreas is usually producing insulin, but the body cannot use it properly. The condition is closely associated with obesity and is most often seen in middle-aged and older adults.

Diabetes Care October 2002;25:1896

Dr. Mercola's Comments: I am constantly amazed at how many type 2 diabetics are placed on insulin to further control their blood sugars by well-intentioned physicians. Unfortunately this uninformed and absurd therapy is a prescription for disaster that will rapidly accelerate the death of virtually anyone who is placed on it. The problem in type 2 diabetes is not that there isn’t enough insulin, but that the insulin present doesn't work very well due to impaired insulin receptor sensitivity. So when type 2 diabetics are placed on insulin, their blood sugar drops, but their insulin levels rise. The problem here is that the increased insulin levels increase the diabetic’s appetite and they gain even more weight. The weight gain contributes to a worsening of their insulin receptor dysfunction and their blood sugar continues to rise, thus resulting in higher and higher levels of insulin. The ultimate insanity is giving the type 2 diabetic a pancreatic transplant. Not only does this not solve the problem, but also the diabetic, whose immune system is already impaired, will be placed on immunosuppressive drugs to control the rejection. These costly drugs need to be taken for their entire life and will invariably increase their risk of cancer. So what is the solution? Fortunately it is quite straightforward. One needs to reduce, NOT increase insulin levels and this is typically done by radically reducing the foods that cause one to make insulin. This is primarily grains and sugars. Exercise will do wonders to improve the insulin receptor sensitivity, as will omega-3 oils and sleep. Effective psychological techniques to address the emotional challenges that limit one from adopting the above healthy lifestyle changes are also a critical part of the puzzle. You can view my recently revised free EFT manual that can be of enormous help to the struggling diabetic trying to implement a healthy lifestyle. Related Articles: Fish Oil Helps Prevent Diabetes Exercise Reduces Diabetes by Reducing Insulin Resistance Diet and Exercise Reduces Risk of Diabetes Decrease Your Sleep and Increase Your Risk for Diabetes