Treatment of type 1 diabetes
The treatment of type 1 diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care—2025 focuses primarily on insulin therapy due to the absence of insulin production in these patients. Here are the key recommendations:
1. Insulin Therapy: Most adults with type 1 diabetes should be treated with either continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (insulin pump therapy) or multiple daily injections of a combination of prandial (mealtime) and basal insulin[1].
2. Preferential Use of Insulin Analogs: Insulin analogs (including inhaled insulin) are preferred over regular human insulins to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia[1].
3. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): Early integration of continuous glucose monitoring is recommended to improve glycemic control and quality of life while minimizing hypoglycemia[1].
4. Automated Insulin Delivery Systems: These systems should be considered for all adults with type 1 diabetes, as they have been shown to improve glycemic control[1].
5. Patient Education: Patients should receive education on adjusting mealtime insulin doses based on carbohydrate intake and other factors such as fat and protein intake to optimize control and minimize hypoglycemia[1].
6. Regular Evaluation: Insulin therapy and the individual's treatment plan should be reviewed regularly (approximately every 3–6 months) to adjust the approach based on specific needs[1].
7. Typical Insulin Dosage: The guidance states that patients with type 1 diabetes typically require around 30-50% of their total daily insulin dose as basal insulin, with the remaining as prandial, starting typically at 0.5 units/kg per day[1].
8. Non-Insulin Adjunctive Therapies: While insulin is central, adjunctive therapies like pramlintide may be used for modest enhancements to glycemic control[2].
For specific medications available in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to refer to their approved list, as the effectiveness of treatment can vary based on local regulations and drug availability. It is advisable to consult the Saudi FDA for official information on diabetes medications.
If you need details on specific medications or further management considerations, feel free to ask.