original_query: What is the significance of the Edmonton Protocol in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes?
query: What is the significance of the Edmonton Protocol in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes?
answer: The Edmonton Protocol, developed by Dr. James Shapiro's team, is a significantly improved islet transplant procedure for type 1 diabetes.  Before the protocol, less than 10% of islet transplants were successful.  The Edmonton Protocol addressed shortcomings by using multiple donors, a novel antirejection strategy (avoiding steroids), and transplanting sufficient islet numbers.  It resulted in 100% of initial patients being able to discontinue insulin injections for over a year.  The protocol has been replicated internationally, benefiting over 2000 patients worldwide and is now considered standard of care in several countries.