David Larson

Illinois resident David Larson was first diagnosed with diabetes at age 21. In his early 30s, David began experiencing low blood sugar episodes. Over time, those episodes became more frequent. He says, “I couldn’t tell when I was having low blood sugars.” David continued, “When they (low blood sugar levels) hit, you’re pretty much helpless; I would go into seizures. Once I had a really bad episode and after that I couldn’t live on my own. I had to move back in with my parents.”

David recalls hearing about the Edmonton islet transplant clinical trials on a local news station in Chicago. “I heard about its success. A couple of days later, I read more about the study in the newspaper. They were expanding the number of centers and the number of participants in the clinical trials and they were looking for volunteers to participate. I sent my application to St. Louis, Missouri, because it was the closest study site to my home. They transferred the paperwork up to Minneapolis to the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation at the University of Minnesota, one of the centers involved in the clinical trials.”

David says he waited about 18 months before becoming the third person in the University of Minnesota’s clinical trials to receive the islet cell transplant. “I figured I’ve got nothing to lose. I fit the profile for the study perfectly.” David says he was insulin-independent within just two weeks of the surgery. “It was great! It almost felt too perfect,” he says.

David says his diet hasn’t changed much. “While I still watch what I eat, it’s nice to splurge every once in a while.”

David is happy with the transplant results. He explains, “Now I have half of what a normal person has in islet cells and they are working.” Asked if he would recommend the transplant, David says, “Definitely yes. Consider for yourself all the pros and cons and I think you will have more checks in the pro column. For the patient, it is a very simple surgical process.” David continued, “The only things annoying me are the side effects from the anti-rejection medications which affect everyone differently. My worst side effect is the swelling in my ankles and calves.”

Overall, life has improved for David. He works as a freelance designer. “I don’t worry about getting the lows anymore. I’m more flexible and I have more independence. I hope one day all diabetics have the same chance I had.”