Table of Contents
Introduction:
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that affects blood sugar or glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children and adolescents.In adults, it might sometimes be mistaken for type 2 diabetes; However, the treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes may differ. Type 1 diabetes is now becoming more common. About 5 to 10 percent with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. A global review study revealed that the global prevalence of type 1 diabetes is 9.5 percent, and its reported rate was found to be 15 cases per 100,000 of the population. It is a lifelong disease that requires proper monitoring of glucose levels in the blood. This article mainly focuses on the treatment of type 1 diabetes, including basic treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatments.
Basic Treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to target and kill beta cells in the pancreas responsible for making insulin.Insulin is essential for converting sugar (glucose) into energy. It is still not known what causes type 1 diabetes. But, it is believed that both genetic and environmental factors may be involved in causing it. Particularly, the HLA (Human leukocyte antigen) gene is thought to play a role, especially in children who develop type 1 diabetes. Environmental triggers like viral infections, diet, and stress might start this autoimmune process.
In type 2 diabetes, the body develops insulin resistance or generates insufficient insulin. The basic treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:
1. Lifestyle Management: Healthy eating habits and physical activity are the key lifestyle changes that play an important role in managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other nutrients in the right proportions helps control the level of blood glucose. Consumption of carbohydrates should be limited. Physical activity also benefits managing type 1 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and the overall health of an individual.
2. Insulin Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes patients always require insulin injections throughout their lifetime. Depending on patients' needs, there are several forms of insulin: There are four types, namely short-acting, rapid-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulin.
3. Blood Sugar Monitoring: Depending on the insulin therapy chosen, blood sugar levels may need to be monitored and recorded at least four times daily. The American Diabetes Association recommends checking blood sugar levels before consuming food, before bed, before exercising or driving, and whenever low blood sugar is suspected. This can be done using a fingerstick test (blood test) or continuous glucose monitoring (GCM). Monitoring may be less frequent in type 2 diabetes than in type 1.
4. Oral Medication: Type 2 diabetes managementincludes oral medication such as Metformin, Sulfonylureas, and SGLT2 inhibitors to help control blood glucose levels.
Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Treatments:
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are distinct conditions. The treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes may also differ.
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Insulin Therapy: In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin because the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells. Type 1 diabetes will always require insulin therapy.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces less insulin than usual, and the body develops insulin resistance. It means that the body produces insulin but is unable to utilize it. It requires oral hypoglycemic drugs and lifestyle modifications. In severe cases, insulin therapy might become needed.
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Blood Glucose Monitoring: Both types of diabetes require blood glucose monitoring. However, type 1 diabetes requires frequent blood glucose monitoring as compared to type 2 diabetes.
New Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes:
New treatments for type 1 diabetes include:
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Lantidra Drug: Lantrida has recently appeared as a new therapy in treating type 1 diabetes according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).It involves the transplantation of pancreatic islet beta cells from donors to manage diabetes in adults.
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Closed Loop System: A new treatment for type 1 diabetes also includesan implanted device that connects a glucose monitor with an insulin pump to automatically provide an appropriate amount of insulin to the body. The monitor continuously measures the blood sugar level when the monitor indicates a need for insulin. Most of the systems are currently undergoing clinical testing.
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Inhaled Insulin: This is one of the recent delivery techniques for insulin that uses inhalers instead of needles or syringes. It offers a safer way of administering insulin to patients.
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Gene Therapy: Gene therapy can cure type 1 Diabetes, but more research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy. Gene therapy can induce other cells in the body to make insulin, thus replacing the lost function of beta cells.
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Pancreatic Islet Cell Replacement Therapy: Researchers are working with islet cell transplants.Pancreatic islet cells are extracted from the pancreas of deceased donors. The islets are cleaned, processed, and then transplanted into another individual with type 1 diabetes. Once islet cells are transplanted, the beta cells in the islet start producing and releasing insulin. According to the researchers, islet transplantation is likely to give a chance to live without using insulin shots every day in type 1 diabetic patients. This experimental technique has also faced some challenges in the past. However, new procedures and stronger medications to prevent islet cell rejection may increase its chances of being a successful treatment.
Natural Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes
Some natural approaches can support overall health and potentially improve diabetes management.
1. Diet: Diet has a significant influence on the management of type 1 diabetes. Many studies propose a diet with a low glycemic index for improved blood sugar management.
2. Physical Activity: Physical activity contributes to the management of sugar levels and enhances the general well-being of diabetic patients. However, in the case of type 1 diabetes, physical activity like exercise is very likely to bring blood sugar levels down, and this is very dangerous. Individuals with type 1 diabetes have to take certain measures while doing exercises.
3. Natural and Herbal Remedies: Numerous herbal and mineral supplements have been shown to improve type 1 Diabetes.
- Gymnema: A natural herbal plant that has been used for ages in traditional Ayurvedic diabetic treatment.
- Ginseng: Traditional Chinese herb that might help improve blood sugar levels. However, more research is needed to confirm its effect on humans.
- Fenugreek: Fenugreek seed helps to reduce blood sugar levels by reducing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Fenugreek also helps increase insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
4. Nutrient Supplementation
- Alpha Lipoic Acid: An antioxidant that may help normalize complications causing pathways linked with type and diabetes however more research is needed. It is found in foods like spinach and broccoli.
- Chromium: It is a trace mineral that enhances the effectiveness of insulin and improves blood sugar control. It is present in foods like eggs, broccoli, and whole grains.
- Magnesium: Magnesium supplementation may help improve blood sugar levels and reduce complications, especially in those with low levels of magnesium.
Alternative Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes:
Homeopathy or alternative medicine that employs small amounts of natural extracts from minerals and plants. There are several homeopathic therapies available to treat diabetes symptoms and prevent related complications.
However, there is no homeopathic medication for type 1 diabetes that can aid with insulin production. Another reason why homeopathy is not advisable as an alternative treatment is because there is no data to support the efficacy of alternative therapies for type 1 diabetes patients.
Conclusion:
Type 1 diabetes involves using insulin and continuous monitoring; there are new treatments for type 1 diabetes and also natural remedies to offer additional support. However, it is advisable to incorporate these methods under the supervision of a doctor and combine them with a healthy diet to manage the condition effectively. Management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be different, but the general approach and maintenance of the condition require constant monitoring and necessary changes in the way of living.
