Infographic: Pancreas Kidney Transplant By Mayo Clinic Staff Share Facebook Twitter Print details Hide Text Giving persons living with diabetes a fresh start. Pancreas and kidney transplant options can transform lives. 1.25 million people in the U.S. have Type 1 diabetes 20-30% of these people will develop kidney failure Two groups of people can benefit from a pancreas or kidney + pancreas transplant. People with Type 1 diabetes whose kidneys are functioning and develop "hypoglycemia unawareness" – they can't tell when their blood sugar levels change, and therefore may have life threatening insulin reactions. People with Type 1 diabetes who do not make their own insulin resulting in difficulty controlling diabetes and kidney disease. Up to 30% can develop kidney failure over several decades. In patients with kidney failure, simultaneous kidney/pancreas or kidney alone followed by pancreas after kidney transplant are life transforming options. Two transplant options restore hope. Pancreas-only transplant For people with Type 1 diabetes plus hypoglycemia unawareness or other complications. Their kidneys must be functional. Pancreas + kidney transplant For people with Type 1 diabetes accompanied by kidney failure. This transplant may happen simultaneously, or in two sequential surgeries. Transplantation for diabetes success rates Simultaneous pancreas + kidney transplant 93% Sequential pancreas + kidney transplant 91% Pancreas-only transplant 78% Produced by Mayo Clinic. Sources: mayoclinic.org; diabetes.org; kidney.org; bmj.com. IFG-20469330