Diabetes can lead to coma or death: are you at risk?

The diabetes epidemic in India:

Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology at Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of the Rang De Neela initiative, said: “Type 1 diabetes damages the beta cells of the pancreas and therefore stops your pancreas from producing insulin. . Genetics, autoimmune factors, hormonal fluctuations due to menopause and stress can lead to type 1 diabetes.

He explained: “Type 1 diabetes can be autoimmune or idiopathic. It is a lifelong condition that causes symptoms such as frequent thirst and urination, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, vaginal yeast infections, and slow wound healing. High sugar levels due to uncontrolled diabetes impact overall well-being, permanent damage to nerves, eyes and gallbladder and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), an urgent problem that affects people with diabetes. diabetes. People with DKA may experience symptoms such as rapid breathing, dehydration, headache, dehydration, facial flushing, inability to concentrate, nausea, and vomiting.

Dr Rajiv Kovil added: “Additionally, a diabetes coma can be the result of very high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic coma, loss of consciousness, and ultimately death. Type 1 diabetes is difficult to manage and requires expert advice and enormous emotional and moral support from family and caregivers. High diabetes requires regular follow-ups and examinations as well as lifestyle changes. People with type 1 diabetes should monitor their blood sugar regularly and take medications prescribed by their doctor.

Most people with type 1 diabetes are able to manage their blood sugar levels, usually within a few months or even years of diabetes. Dr. Rajiv Kovil explained, “A person with type 1 diabetes usually trains and educates themselves well about the disorder and generally becomes self-sufficient and independent. They require certain annual checks to check for possible complications. With the advent of technologies such as CGM and sensor-augmented insulin pumps, treating type 1 diabetes has become somewhat easy over the past decade, but these treatments are also expensive.

Breakthrough Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes: Is a Cure Finally in Sight?

Speaking about the many revolutionary therapies for type 1 diabetes, Dr. Rajiv Kovil highlighted:

1. Donislecel, sold under the brand name Lantidra, is a cell therapy drug used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Donislecel is an allogeneic (donor) pancreatic islet cell therapy made from pancreatic cells from deceased donors.

2. Some patients can stop insulin using this new therapy that has received US FDA approval for the treatment of people with type 1 diabetes who have recurrent hypoglycemia.

3. Teplizumab, a monoclonal antibody that delayed the onset of clinically diagnosed stage 3 type 1 diabetes by a median duration of about 2 years in clinical trials, won FDA approval for patients aged 8 years or older with stage 2 disease.

Dr. Rajiv Kovil concluded: “Some of these newer therapies may modify the progression of type 1 diabetes and may, in the future, offer a cure. The future of treating type 1 diabetes looks very bright and we should find a cure within a few years. Until then, follow the instructions given by your doctor and monitor your blood sugar regularly. Get regular tests and live happily with type 1 diabetes.”

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a health problem.