Islet transplants show promise in stopping dangerous blood sugar crashes

NCT ID NCT01897688

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether transplanting insulin-producing islet cells, along with immune-suppressing drugs, could safely prevent severe low blood sugar episodes in people with type 1 diabetes who don't feel warning signs. Ten participants received the transplant and were monitored for safety and effectiveness. The goal was to see if this approach could eliminate life-threatening hypoglycemic events.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Islet cell transplant with Campath (immunosuppressive drug)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a way to prevent dangerous low blood sugar episodes in people with type 1 diabetes, reducing the need for constant monitoring.

What could go wrong

This is a small, single-center study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply widely. The need for lifelong immunosuppression carries risks like infection and organ damage.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diabetes mellitus hypoglycemia type 1 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Northwestern University

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States