University of Missouri-Columbia Jun 3 2026 Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks islets, certain areas of the pancreas, and destroys cells that would otherwise produce insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. One emerging treatment is transplantation – replacing islets with healthy cells – but patients would have to take medication that subdues the immune system, so the body doesn't reject the therapy. A recent study from