Islet transplants show promise in stopping dangerous blood sugar crashes

NCT ID NCT01897688

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Northwestern University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

SEVERE HYPOGLYCEMIC UNAWARENESS TYPE 1 DIABETES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Northwestern University

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

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