The treatment of type 1 diabetes primarily revolves around insulin therapy, as individuals with type 1 diabetes have little to no insulin production due to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2025 Standards of Care outline key approaches for the management of type 1 diabetes:

Key Recommendations from ADA 2025:

1. Insulin Therapy:

• Most adults with type 1 diabetes should be treated with either continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily doses of prandial (injected or inhaled) and basal insulin^[1].

• Insulin analogs and inhaled insulin are preferred over injectable human insulins to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia^[2].

2. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):

• Early use of CGM is recommended to improve glycemic outcomes and quality of life, while minimizing hypoglycemia^[1].

3. Automated Insulin Delivery Systems:

• Automated insulin delivery systems should be offered to all adults with type 1 diabetes for better management^[1].

4. Education on Insulin Management:

• Education on matching mealtime insulin doses to carbohydrate intake and modifications based on current glycemia and other factors is essential^[1].

5. Regular Reevaluation:

• Insulin treatment plans should be reevaluated regularly, approximately every 3-6 months, to ensure that individualized glycemic goals are achieved^[1].

Insulin Regimens:

• Treatment typically involves a combination of basal insulin (NPH, long-acting insulins) and prandial insulin (short-acting insulins)^[3][4].

• The total daily insulin requirement usually ranges from 0.4 to 1 unit/kg, depending on factors such as dietary intake, physical activity, and individual metabolism^[4].

Newer Therapeutic Agents:

• Adjunctive Therapies:

• Pramlintide, a synthetic analog of amylin, can be used as an adjunct to insulin therapy and has shown modest reductions in A1C levels. Other agents such as GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide and semaglutide are currently being studied for their utility in type 1 diabetes management^[1][5].

Monitoring and Support:

• Education and Support:

• Continuous education for patients and families on self-management skills is crucial for effective diabetes management^[6].

These comprehensive management strategies focus on achieving optimal glycemic control while preventing complications such as hypoglycemia, and promoting a better quality of life for individuals with type 1 diabetes. If you need specific details about any medications approved in Saudi Arabia for type 1 diabetes management, please let me know!

References

1. Source: 4:0
2. Source: 4:1
3. Source: 4:10
4. Source: 4:16
5. Source: 4:9
6. Source: 4:18