Health Conditions

In type 1 diabetes, the body loses its ability to produce insulin. Insulin therapy is vital to treating type 1 diabetes. The body's lack of insulin can be compensated with various types of insulin that are injected on a daily basis. There are many types of insulin. The differences between insulin are based on the time it takes for the insulin to begin working in the body and how long the insulin will work in your body. To learn more about the various types of insulin, click on the "Insulins" link under "Drug Classes Used to Treat Diabetes." Newer types of insulins are available that more closely mimic the body's own insulin production and cause fewer side effects.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you need to monitor your blood glucose (sugar) levels several times a day and have daily injections of insulin using a syringe, pen or pump, combined with a strict diet, to help maintain constant glucose levels in the blood. You also need to watch the timing of meals and have glucose-rich snacks on hand to treat low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be a dangerous complication of insulin treatment, and it must be treated promptly.

Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar gets too low. Hypoglycemia can develop when you delay or skip a meal, eat too little food at a meal, get more exercise than usual, or if you take too much insulin. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Inability to think or concentrate
• Drowsiness
• Numbness and tingling around lips
• Being hungry

Usually you can self-treat hypoglycemia relatively quickly. If you experience any of the above symptoms of hypoglycemia seek one of the following glucose sources right away and check your blood sugar level:

• 1 cup (8 oz.) of orange juice
• 1/3 cup of grape juice
• 1 cup (8 oz.) of milk
• 5-6 pieces of hard candy
• 2 tablespoons of raisins
• 1-2 teaspoonfuls of honey

When traditional diet and insulin injection measures cannot adequately control your blood sugar levels, you may choose to use an insulin pump. This is a device that delivers a constant supply of insulin through a needle placed in the skin of the abdomen.

Symlin (pramlintide acetate) injection has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. It is the pioneer drug in a new class of medications used to treat diabetes called amylin mimetics. Structurally similar to the human hormone amylin, Symlin is used in addition to insulin to help control blood sugar levels. By slowing down the movement of food through the stomach, sugar absorption into the blood is delayed, thus allowing for better blood glucose control. For type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, the use of Symlin is only recommended in insulin treated patients who need additional blood sugar control. Symlin is usually injected before each major meal (greater than or equal to 250 calories or 30 grams of carbohydrates) and lasts up to 3 hours after eating.

Exubera is a new form of insulin that is inhaled rather than injected. The inhaled insulin device is similar to that of an asthma inhaler. It delivers a dose of insulin in a dry powder through the mouth directly to the lungs, where the insulin easily enters the bloodstream. Results of the trials of Exubera indicated similar efficacy in blood glucose control when comparing insulin injections versus inhaled insulin. Unfortunately, in October 2007, Pfizer announced that Exubera will no longer be manufactured. This was due to the minimal usage of the drug and that fact that there are many other available insulin products. It was officially unavailable as of January 16, 2008.

Finding an insulin regimen for controlling diabetes should be tailored specifically for each individual. Most patients with type 1 diabetes will require multiple daily doses of insulin or an insulin pump. It is important to closely monitor your blood sugars and work with your doctor to find the best treatment regimen for you.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.