What is the issue?

More than 60 million people worldwide live with type 1 diabetes, and having a pancreas transplant is one of the most effective treatments. It can be difficult to predict which donated pancreases will work well in their new recipient, and many are turned down for transplant because of this. Doctors need better ways to check whether a donated pancreas is healthy enough to transplant.

What is being done to address it?

Researchers plan to test two new methods of checking how well a donated pancreas functions: MRI scanning (a type of medical imaging), and machine perfusion (keeping the organ supplied with fluid and nutrients outside the body). The second method could also be used to help repair organs so they can function better.

How will this help future patients?

This research could help doctors to use more donated pancreases that would otherwise be turned down for transplantation, helping more patients to receive life-changing transplants. It may also improve outcomes for transplant recipients by ensuring only healthy organs are used.