Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas fails to produce insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. To avoid severe health issues and stay healthy, doctors prescribe insulin therapy to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Since type 1 diabetes is characterized by the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin, supplementary doses of insulin are necessary. Ensuring you have sufficient insulin is crucial as this hormone helps manage your blood sugar and keep it within a healthy range.
What are your treatment options for type 1 diabetes? Here are several common approaches:
- Administering insulin
- Monitoring carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake
- Regularly checking blood sugar levels
- Consuming nutrient-rich foods high in fiber and low in carbohydrates
- Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight
The objective is to keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range to delay or prevent further health complications. Aim to maintain your daytime blood sugar levels before meals between 80 and 130 mg/dL (4.44 to 7.2 mmol/L), and ensure post-meal levels do not exceed 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) two hours after eating.
Types of Insulin
Individuals with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy. Thanks to advancements in medical technology, there are now various types of insulin available to patients.
Different forms of insulin include:
- Short-acting insulin – Often referred to as regular insulin, this type starts working around 30 minutes post-injection, peaks at about 90 to 120 minutes, and lasts for roughly 4 to 6 hours. Examples include Humulin R, Novolin R, and Afrezza.
- Rapid-acting insulin – This type begins to work within 15 minutes and is usually taken 15 to 20 minutes before meals. Examples are Glulisine (Apidra), lispro (Humalog, Admelog, and Lyumjev), and Aspart (Novolog and FiAsp).
- Intermediate-acting insulin – Known as NPH insulin, this variety typically takes effect in 1 to 3 hours. Insulin NPH (Novolin N, Humulin N) is an example.
- Long- and ultra-long-acting insulin – This type can last from 14 to 40 hours. Examples include Glargine (Lantus, Toujeo Solostar, Basaglar), Detemir (Levemir), and Degludec (Tresiba).
Typically, multiple daily injections of both long-acting and rapid-acting insulin are necessary. Research shows that a regimen of three or more insulin injections per day can improve blood sugar control. However, the specific treatment plan depends on the severity of your diabetes and any underlying health conditions.
Future Treatment Options for Type 1 Diabetes
Some emerging treatments for type 1 diabetes that you might consider in the future include:
Pancreas transplant – This option is used for patients with diabetes that is particularly challenging to manage. With a successful pancreas transplant, daily insulin shots may no longer be necessary. However, pancreas transplants are not always successful and come with significant risks. These risks can sometimes make this treatment option more hazardous than the diabetes itself.
Islet cell transplantation – Researchers are exploring the efficacy of transplanting new insulin-producing cells from a donor pancreas. Although this experimental method has faced several challenges in the past, new techniques and improved medications to prevent islet cell rejection may enhance its potential to become a viable treatment in the future.