What are the latest advancements in diabetes management?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 55-year-old aunt is exploring alternative and complementary therapies for managing type 1 diabetes. Though she is on insulin, her blood sugar levels remain high most of the time. We are exploring the possibility of an artificial pancreas system and want to understand its benefits and limitations. Her recent glycemic variability reports show significant fluctuations, and we seek comprehensive guidance on managing these variations. Could you explain the latest advancements in diabetes technology and potential psychological support strategies?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Let me explain to you about type 1 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not make insulin or makes very little insulin. Insulin helps blood sugar enter the cells in your body for use as energy.

Without insulin, blood sugar cannot get into cells and builds up in the bloodstream. High blood sugar is damaging to the body and causes many of the symptoms and complications of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes was once called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. It often develops in children, teens, and young adults, but it can happen at any age. Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2, about five to 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed successfully. Symptoms associated with type 1 diabetic

Excessive urination
Excessive thirst
Excessive eating

Complications associated with type 1 diabetic

Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic neuropathy
Heart disease
Infection
Anxiety
Skin condition
Low blood sugar

Management of type 1 diabetic

MDTA multidisciplinary team advice. You should consult an endocrinologist and dietician.

HbA1c- should be maintained 6.4 mg/dl(48mmol/l), if HbA1c is more than 10 mg/dl (86mmol/l) means there uncontrol blood sugar level

Daily you should check four levels of blood sugar levels. Fasting blood sugar, pre-breakfast, post-breakfast, pre-dinner, post-dinner, bedtime. These are the levels you should maintain

Fasting blood sugar level should be maintained

5.6 mmol/l or 95 mg /dl

1 Hour after a meal should be maintained

7.8 mmol/l or less than 140 mg/dl or

2 Hours after a meal should be maintained

6.4 mmol/l or less than 115 mg/dl

You should adjust your insulin dose according to the level of blood sugars, take advice dietician regarding a diet plan, nephrologist and ophthalmologist for evaluation.

I hope you understand the plan I have given to you, if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me

Thank you.