Insulin therapy is the standard treatment for type 1 diabetes and for some people with type 2 diabetes. Insulin therapy does not effectively prevent complications associated with episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

Over the past few decades, the transplantation of human pancreatic islets from organ donors has led to a significant improvement in glycemic control compared to insulin therapy—particularly by reducing the risk of severe hypoglycemia. Fewer than 1% of people with diabetes have access to this therapeutic option due to the need for lifelong immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection.