The transplant waiting list is managed by UNOS (United Network For Organ Sharing). At listing, the Organ Transplant Program registers the candidate in the UNOS database. Each candidate who is registered on the UNOS solitary pancreas transplant (PTA or PAK) waiting list must be diagnosed as a Type I diabetic. Individuals registered for a SPK must be diagnosed as a Type I diabetic with renal insufficiency.

The candidate's medical profile is placed in the UNOS computer database. Once listed, patients are assigned a listing number that is theirs as long as they are on the list.

Points are assigned by UNOS based on several criteria, including:

• Time spent on the wait list
• Biologic compatibility between the donor and recipient (genetic makeup)
• Level of antibodies in the recipient's blood
• When a donor becomes available, all patients on the waiting list are compared with the donor. A new list of patients who match the donor is then generated and ranked by the UNOS computer based on the point system.

Organ distribution occurs locally, regionally and nationally. If there is no match at the local level (or the Organ Transplant Program declines the offer based on donor information or recipient's non-readiness), distribution then goes to the regional or national level.

Patient Responsibilities

Individuals waiting for transplant are expected to assume the following responsibilities:

• Comply with your treatment regimen.
• Keep the Transplant Team aware of changes in address, telephone numbers, insurance, hospitalizations, surgical procedures, and results of any special tests.
• Have your blood work done monthly or as requested.
• Take all your medications as prescribed.
• Keep all appointments for tests, blood work, clinic visits, etc. Multiple cancellations and / or no call / no shows may result in candidates being removed from the transplant wait list.
• Do not smoke. Transplant recipient candidates MUST stop smoking! Smoking increases surgical risks and can cause failure of the transplanted organ to function.
• If on dialysis, limit weight gain between dialysis to protect your heart and lungs. Lose weight if required. Obesity increases surgical risk and causes damage to your heart and lungs
• NO ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, OR ILLICIT DRUGS.