Where Islets reside in the Pancreas

[Guest guest]

Sandy,

In a prior post you asked, " Does one end of the pancreas determines the

chances of getting diabetes? "

That is a very important issue you have brought up. A fact, that had I known

the answer prior to my surgery, would have changed the course of treatment I

chose. I was not aware that there was such a large discrepancy between the

number of islet cells that resided in the tail Vs the head of the pancreas.

There

are, however. The majority of these insulin producing cells reside in the tail

of the pancreas. Fewer islet cells reside in the head of the pancreas. The

two major surgical pancreatectomies done are called a Distal Pancreatectomy when

the tail is removed, and a Whipple when the head of the pancreas is removed.

Research now indicates that islets are housed throughout the body, and there

have been cases in which these scattered islet cells have actually taken over

the insulin producing needs of the body. That is not a common occurrence,

however. In most cases, the consequence of a Distal Pancreatectomy is like mine

was. I went into surgery not a Diabetic, I came out of surgery a Diabetic.

Today, through aggressive education, most pancreatic surgeons, advocate

harvesting

and transplanting the islet cells from even a partial Pancreatectomy. More and

more healthcare providers and patients are recognizing the high mortality

rate of Diabetes. Every possible action needs to be taken to minimize the risk

of

persons with Pancreatitis developing Diabetes.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org

Pancreatitis Association International