• People suffering from Type 1 diabetes who also have chronic or end-stage renal failure as well as some type II diabetics who also require a kidney transplant. These individuals receive a kidney and pancreas from the same donor. (The immunosuppressive medications for the kidney and pancreas are similar when doing the pancreas transplant simultaneously with the kidney transplant.)
• People with Type 1 diabetes who have already received a kidney transplant from either a living or deceased donor.
• Non-uremic (non-toxic) patients with normal kidney function who have not had a kidney transplant but have Type 1 diabetes that is very difficult to control. This often manifests as hypoglycemic unawareness.

• People with Type 1 diabetes who have normal kidney function AND the diabetes is not difficult to control.
• Type II diabetics with normal kidney function AND do not require insulin.

As with any major surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia as well as potential complications related to the operative procedure itself. Your doctor will discuss this with you in person.

• Development of a hernia in the area of the incision.
• Bleeding (which could require a transfusion or further surgery later).
• Thrombosis (blood clots) - Blood thinners may be prescribed to prevent them. If blood clots in the pancreas transplant occur, the transplant may need to be removed.
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) - The pancreas' main job is to make insulin and digestive enzymes for food. These enzymes can cause the pancreas to become irritated or inflamed. This often gets better on its own, but it can lead to the need for more surgery to speed recovery.
• Infection - Bacteria and fungus in the body can sometimes lead to infections after transplant. Often these are controlled with drains and antibiotics, but sometimes more surgery is necessary to help clear the infection

There is a higher incidence of rejection with a kidney-pancreas transplant, or a pancreas transplant alone compared to a kidney transplant alone. A biopsy is usually required to diagnose the rejection. More potent medication may be prescribed to resolve a rejection episode. As long as rejection is diagnosed early, the majority are treatable.

After the transplant, there are no specific dietary restrictions other than foods that may interfere with absorption of anti-rejection medication. However, it is important to moderate sugar intake to avoid empty calories.

Steroids can increase appetite, but monitoring portions and including exercise will help maintain weight.