Endocrinology & Diabetes

Diabetes Management and Control

Diabetes refers to a group of metabolic illnesses that all result in an abnormally high concentration of a sugar called glucose in the blood if left untreated. Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas stops producing large amounts of the hormone insulin, mainly due to autoimmune damage of the pancreas' insulin-producing beta cells. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is currently assumed to be caused by autoimmune attacks on the pancreas and/or insulin resistance. A person with type 2 diabetes may have a pancreas that produces normal or even abnormally excessive levels of insulin. Other types of diabetes mellitus, such as the many forms of young-onset diabetes, may be caused by a combination of insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production.  Insulin resistance may be present in people with type 1 diabetes to some extent. The basic goal of diabetes treatment and control is to return glucose metabolism to normal as much as feasible. Individuals with an absolute insulin deficit require insulin replacement therapy, which is administered by injections or an insulin pump. Insulin resistance, on the other hand, can be treated with dietary changes and exercise. Other objectives of diabetes management include preventing or treating the numerous problems that might arise from the disease and its treatment.