WebMD Expert Answers: What are some of the most exciting and hopeful breakthroughs for someone living with diabetes?
The Most Exciting and Hopeful Breakthroughs for People with Diabetes
Over the past few decades, there have been several major breakthroughs in diabetes care. These breakthroughs have improved the lives of people with diabetes in a number of ways, including:
- __Better control of blood sugar levels:__ New medications and insulin delivery methods have made it easier for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range. This can help prevent complications of diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness.
- __Reduced risk of complications:__ Advances in diabetes care have also reduced the risk of complications of diabetes. For example, people with diabetes are now less likely to develop heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness.
- __Improved quality of life:__ People with diabetes can now live longer, healthier lives thanks to advances in diabetes care. They are able to enjoy a wider range of activities and foods than people with diabetes could in the past.
Some of the most exciting and hopeful breakthroughs for people living with diabetes include:
1. The development of new medications
New medications for diabetes have been developed that are more effective and have fewer side effects than older medications. These new medications include:
- __Incretin mimetics:__ Incretin mimetics are a class of medications that work by increasing the levels of incretins, which are hormones that help the body produce insulin. Incretin mimetics include drugs like exenatide (Byetta) and liraglutide (Victoza).
- __SGLT2 inhibitors:__ SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of medications that work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys. This can help to lower blood sugar levels. SGLT2 inhibitors include drugs like canagliflozin (Invokana), empagliflozin (Jardiance), and ertugliflozin (Steglatro).
- __DPP-4 inhibitors:__ DPP-4 inhibitors are a class of medications that work by inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). This enzyme breaks down incretins, so DPP-4 inhibitors can help to increase the levels of incretins in the body. DPP-4 inhibitors include drugs like sitagliptin (Januvia), saxagliptin (Onglyza), and linagliptin (Tradjenta).
2. The development of new insulin delivery methods
New insulin delivery methods have been developed that make it easier for people with diabetes to take their insulin. These new methods include:
- __Insulin pumps:__ Insulin pumps are small devices that deliver insulin continuously throughout the day. Insulin pumps can be programmed to deliver different amounts of insulin at different times of day, which can help to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
- __Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs):__ CGMs are small devices that measure glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. CGMs can be worn continuously and can provide real-time information about blood sugar levels. This information can help people with diabetes to make adjustments to their insulin doses and diet to keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
3. The development of new technologies
New technologies have been developed that help people with diabetes manage their condition. These technologies include:
- __Smartphone apps:__ There are a number of smartphone apps available that can help people with diabetes track their blood sugar levels, insulin doses, and diet. These apps can also provide information about diabetes and tips for managing the condition.
- __Online resources:__ There are a number of online resources available that provide information about diabetes and support for people with diabetes. These resources can include articles, videos, forums, and support groups.
4. The development of new research
New research is being conducted all the time to find new ways to prevent, treat, and cure diabetes. This research is being conducted by scientists at universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies around the world. The goal of this research is to find new ways to improve the lives of people with diabetes.
Conclusion
The future is bright for people with diabetes. There are many exciting breakthroughs that are happening that are making it easier for people with diabetes to manage their condition and live healthy, happy lives.