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| Treatment & Prevention > Type 1 Diabetes |
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Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses. Each year nearly 15,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes currently requires lifelong insulin therapy, and intensive control is associated with increased risks for hypoglycemia. Until there is a cure, it is critical that research continues to focus on potential therapies to prevent type 1 diabetes.
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Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes
The goal of treatment for type 1 diabetes is to achieve tight metabolic control in order to reduce complications and mortality. Treatment for type 1 diabetes consists of a series of interrelated components, including insulin therapy, medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).
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Insulin Therapy
The goal of insulin replacement therapy in people with diabetes is to mimic normal pancreatic function as closely as possible. Because of the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic β cells that occurs in type 1 diabetes, exogeneous insulin replacement is necessary from the time of diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance and a relative insulin deficiency that progresses over time, making it more challenging to determine when and how insulin therapy should be initiated. This article will focus on insulin types, options for insulin delivery, insulin therapy, and insulin self-administration in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
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