Abstract
Assessing p-cell mass and function is of great importance in the islet transplant setting but it has been challenging. Although achieving insulin independence has been one of the most
important end points of islet transplantation (IT), it is critical that it
is associated with good glycemic control. Numerous tests have been
suggested for the assessment of graft dysfunction. Unfortunately, there
are no effective indicators for the early detection of graft dysfunction
in IT patients.1 In this chapter we discuss the different metabolic
approaches for the assessment of graft dysfunction, nevertheless it is
important to recognize that there is no consensus on which test is best
to study |3-cell mass and function in patients after IT. The early detec
tion of graft dysfunction could facilitate the identification of underlying
causes and guide in the management of transplanted patients, especially
if appropriate anti-rejection therapies become available.