The MUHC designated the first provincial establishment for islet cell transplants for patients with type 1 diabetes

The non-invasive procedure allows patients to live without fear of severe hypoglycemia and even without insulin injections.

Montreal, June 30, 2022 – McGill University Health Center (MUHC) is proud to announce its official designation by the Department of Health and Social Services (MSSS) as the first establishment of the province that offers islet cell transplants. – an invasive procedure that represents a significant advance in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The MUHC has been the leader in the development of this unique medical experience in Quebec, thanks to the dedicated work of research and clinical teams.

Type 1 diabetes is the result of the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin, which can lead to a significant alteration in the regulation of blood sugar in the body. The disease requires constant monitoring of blood sugar and daily insulin injections to prevent serious long-term complications such as blindness, stroke, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. Islet cell transplantation corrects this condition in seriously ill patients. An estimated 300,000 Canadians live with type 1 diabetes.

In 2015, the MUHC performed the first islet cell transplant in Quebec, a procedure in which the islets of Langerhans, the groups of pancreatic cells that produce insulin, are isolated from the pancreas of a giving and infusing a patient’s liver through a small catheter in the abdomen. . After a few weeks, the patient is able to produce insulin and eventually becomes independent of insulin.

Dr. Steven Paraskevas, director of the MUHC Pancreas and Islet Transplant Program

Dr. Steven Paraskevas, director of the MUHC Pancreas and Islet Transplant Program, heads the MUHC Human Islet Transplant Laboratory, where islets are isolated and evaluated. The knowledge and experience developed in this laboratory paves the way for the work of other physicians.

“The growth and development of this program has been a success story of collaboration among many researchers and medical professionals, supported by the vision and leadership of the MUHC,” says Dr. Paraskevas. “We would also like to thank the valuable contribution of the MUHC Foundation and the Montreal General Hospital Foundation, whose donations allowed us to develop this program and be officially designated as the hospital to offer this procedure in Quebec. “.

An extension of care

From the first procedure, the MUHC team led by Dr. Paraskevas continued to develop his medical experience at the MUHC Human Islet Transplant Laboratory, located at McGill University. Ten transplants have been performed and their effects have been carefully studied. The new designation will allow the MUHC to improve access to this procedure and be able to serve many more people.

“We are very proud that after years of work and persistence, the MUHC can continue to provide this life-changing therapy,” says Dr. Liane Feldman, chief surgeon at MUHC. “This procedure makes a significant difference in the lives of diabetic patients. Our goal is to grow the program so that more Quebecers can benefit in the coming years.”

Support for the development of this clinical program was provided by the McGill University Health Center Foundation, the Montreal General Hospital Foundation, the MUHC Research Institute, Transplant Quebec and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Contact with the media

Gilda SalomoneManager, CommunicationsMcGill University Health Center

[email protected]

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