Encapsulated Cells for the Treatment of Diabetes: Danger of Acute Hypoglycemia Following Injury?

Transplants comprised of encapsulated islets have shown promise in treating insulin-dependent diabetes. A question raised in the scientific and clinical communities is whether the insulin released from an implanted encapsulation device damaged in an accident could cause a serious hypoglycemic event. In this commentary, we consider the different types of damage that a device can sustain, including the encapsulation membrane and the islets within, and the amount of insulin released in each case. We conclude that the probability that device damage would cause an adverse hypoglycemic event is indeed very low.