Diabetes is a serious, chronic disease. It shortens life expectancy and reduces the quality of life. Even with insulin therapy, people with diabetes sometimes have difficulty controlling their blood sugars. Taking too much insulin, missing a meal, or over-exercising can make blood sugar go too low (hypoglycemia). Effects can range from feeling tired to seizures and unconsciousness.
Over time, people with diabetes are also at greater risk for problems linked to the damage of small and large blood vessels. This includes damage to the kidneys leading to nephropathy – the foremost cause of kidney failure.
The Toronto Pancreas Transplant Program helps people suffering from long-term complications related to Type 1 Diabetes.
Our Patient's Journey
Three of our transplant recipients tell their stories of living with diabetes and the impact that their pancreas transplants have had on their lives.
How to Prepare
You will be given a date and time for a follow-up appointment to see your transplant doctor and nurse coordinator in clinic. Generally, patients are seen within a week after discharge but this can vary slightly, depending on your post-operative course in hospital, length of stay and general health. We initially see our new transplant patients every 1 – 2 weeks in clinic. Clinics become less frequent as your health stabilizes over time.
It is important to attend all scheduled appointments, as routine clinic assessment is an essential part of your follow-up. If you need to change your appointment, please call Easy Call 416 351 0793 + your PIN #, at least 72 hours in advance. Missed appointments or "No Shows" will be documented in your chart.
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Appointment length
Your first appointment can take 2 hours or more. After your visit, you will likely go to the Blood Collection Lab for blood tests. Follow-up appointments usually take from 15 – 30 minutes.
Learn more about
what you can expect when you have a clinic appointment.
