Type 1 diabetes is a complex autoimmune disorder that impacts the body’s ability to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the body – the beta (β) cells of the pancreas. The insulin produced by these cells is crucial for transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells, where it is used for energy. Without insulin unlocking entry pathways into cells, the body stops receiving the fuel it needs to function. Effective treatment and management of type 1 diabetes requires a lifetime commitment to carefully monitor and control blood sugar levels, making it a challenging medical condition that demands constant attention and care.
People often receive a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes after a blood sugar spike due to a drop in insulin-producing cells. Without enough insulin, glucose remains in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels and depriving cells of the energy they need to function properly. Treatments aim to prevent the following blood sugar-related emergencies such as Hyperglycemia, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, and Hypoglycemia.
The current standard treatments for type 1 diabetes primarily involves insulin administration coupled with technologies which aid in day-to-day blood glucose monitoring. People may be required to make several lifestyle and dietary adjustments to ensure blood sugar levels are managed effectively.
Alternative treatments are currently in development which aim to improve the quality of life of people suffering from this condition. The following therapies are still in the investigational stages, with ongoing research and clinical trials needed to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. These include immunotherapy, gene therapy, cell encapsulation, and stem cell transplantation.
A clinical trial is a type of research study where the effects of a medicinal treatment, medical device or other intervention are evaluated in people who volunteer to take part. The aim is to understand how safe and effective a treatment is for an intended health condition, before making it available to the wider public. In addition to treating a disease, clinical trials also study new methods for disease diagnosis and disease prevention.
People with certain diseases or health problems may be eligible for clinical trials. The researchers who design the trials set rules about who can enter. Eligibility may depend on age or the presence of other medical conditions. You may need to answer questions or have a medical exam to see if you are eligible. Some clinical trials enroll healthy people who do not have a disease or condition. Certain clinical trials enroll people who have family members with certain diseases or conditions.
