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Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Short answer
Type 1 diabetes results from damage to the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. In this case, insulin is the only option. In the doctor’s words: “Patients with type 1 diabetes: no medication replaces the insulin you use… The main foundational therapy in treating type 1 diabetes is insulin therapy” (video).
Schematic illustration
General information
- The role of insulin. Insulin is the main hormone that regulates sugar metabolism, and it is made in the beta cells of the pancreas. Except for the cells of some organs (for example, the brain), glucose cannot enter a cell without insulin. In that case, the organs are deprived of their main source of energy.
- Treatment. Regimens with several injections a day (triple or quadruple therapy) must not be given up. Some preparations promoted on social media can have a deceptive effect.
- Hypoglycemia. On insulin treatment, it is important to know the signs of low blood sugar and the first aid for it. In severe cases, loved ones need to be able to give a glucagon injection → Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Q&A
Can a pill or another medication replace insulin in type 1 diabetes?
No. No medication replaces insulin. You cannot avoid the triple or quadruple insulin regimens you use in your treatment (video).
The doctor’s videos
The videos are in Azerbaijani.