Type 1 Diabetes
Most people with type 1 diabetes are unable to reach the glycemic goals defined by the American Diabetes Association
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin, a hormone essential for allowing blood glucose to enter cells for energy use. Without insulin, the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels.
Typically diagnosed in children and young adults, type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. Its exact cause remains unclear, but individuals with type 1 diabetes can manage their blood glucose levels with ongoing insulin therapy.
Advances have been made in insulin chemistry and delivery systems to help patients more effectively manage their disease. Despite this, achieving tight control over blood-glucose levels remains a daily challenge for those living with type 1 diabetes. The risk of diabetes complications persists particularly in those who cannot optimize glucose control or are at significant risk of hypoglycemia.
Type 1 diabetes is not a single-hormone disease
Both insulin and glucagon secretion are dysfunctional in type 1 diabetes. Insulin-only treatment approaches may not mimic physiology.
New therapies could be aimed at restoring physiology through bi-hormonal supplementation.
It’s really difficult. After 20 years of living with type 1 diabetes, managing blood glucose levels is still a lot of guessing.
Anders
Living with Type 1 diabetes
