Using an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor can significantly improve glucose management and reduce the need for frequent finger pricks.
While being diagnosed with diabetes can be challenging, it's important to embrace the necessary lifestyle changes and proactive management to lead a fulfilling and healthy life.
Advancements in stem cell therapy and mechanical solutions bring hope for better management and control of blood sugar levels, pushing towards a future where living with diabetes is easier and more manageable.
Deep dives
Managing diabetes with insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor
An insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) are valuable tools for managing diabetes. The insulin pump, worn externally, delivers insulin through a subcutaneous cannula and can provide a basal rate of insulin as well as boluses to cover meals. The CGM continuously monitors glucose levels, providing real-time data to help track trends and make adjustments. This closed loop system allows for more precise control and can automatically adjust insulin delivery based on blood sugar fluctuations. While the pump requires being attached at all times, it offers better glucose management and reduces the need for frequent finger pricks.
The challenges of living with diabetes
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be challenging both physically and emotionally. It's important to acknowledge that it can be difficult and allow oneself to feel the frustration and sadness. However, diabetes is manageable, and though it requires making lifestyle changes and adapting, it doesn't have to define one's life. While it may seem overwhelming at first, learning how to handle the disease and being proactive in managing it can lead to a fulfilling and healthy life.
The pursuit of a diabetes cure
Researchers are actively working towards finding a cure for diabetes. Stem cell therapy shows promise, with the potential to replace damaged or lost beta cells in the pancreas. Additionally, advancements in mechanical solutions, such as external artificial pancreas systems, bring hope for better management and control of blood sugar levels. While a complete cure may not be available yet, advancements in technology and scientific understanding are pushing towards a future where living with diabetes is easier and more manageable.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes and Its Causes
Type 1 diabetes is a rare form that is typically diagnosed in childhood. It is thought to be autoimmune-related, where the immune system attacks the pancreas. This is believed to occur due to a genetic propensity and the interaction with a common virus, such as the kaksaki B virus. The antibodies in the body end up targeting the beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency. Insulin monitoring and injection become necessary for type 1 diabetics to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Exploring Type 2 Diabetes and Lifestyle Factors
Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent than type 1 and is often associated with lifestyle choices, although there are also genetic components. It is influenced by factors such as high body fat, inflammation, and insulin insensitivity. The keto diet, which focuses on reducing carbohydrates and increasing fat consumption, has been explored as a treatment method for type 2 diabetes. Losing weight, exercise, and adopting a plant-based diet have shown promising results in managing blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Dr. Mike Natter hosts this encore episode of Ologies (hosted by Alie Ward), it's a classic 2 parter: Diabetology about the happy, moody-, sweaty-, unconscious-, and possibly even homicidal-making sugar in our blood. In this episode, Dr. Mike Natter dishes about how blood sugar works, what insulin does, and how prevalent diabetes is in all of its various forms. Also: keto vs. vegan, hypoglycemia, cyborg organs, owl hoots, gestational diabetes, type 1 vs. type 2 and ... does Gwyneth drink her own pee? Also: the emotional side of the disease and how to help those in your life who are diabetic.
Next week, the doc addresses your questions, from diets to diagnoses to infuriating insulin prices.
