What are some of the main medical treatments for type 1 diabetes?

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    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Because the hallmark of T1D is insulin deficiency, the main medical treatment is multiple daily injections of prandial (i.e., with meals) and basal (i.e., background or between meals) insulin or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.[1] There are multiple approaches to insulin treatment, but in general, some form of insulin is given in a planned regimen tailored to the individual's unique situation to prevent DKA and avoid severe hypoglycemia while meeting their glycemic targets.[1]

    In addition, adjunctive therapies to augment insulin treatment are being studied to optimize glycemic control. Pramlintide (an amylin analog) is the only option approved for use, but evidence from clinical trials suggests that common medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may also provide benefits.[2]

    References

    1. ^, Draznin B, Aroda VR, Bakris G, Benson G, Brown FM, Freeman R, Green J, Huang E, Isaacs D, Kahan S, Leon J, Lyons SK, Peters AL, Prahalad P, Reusch JEB, Young-Hyman D9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022.Diabetes Care.(2022-01-01)
    2. ^Holt RIG, DeVries JH, Hess-Fischl A, Hirsch IB, Kirkman MS, Klupa T, Ludwig B, Nørgaard K, Pettus J, Renard E, Skyler JS, Snoek FJ, Weinstock RS, Peters ALThe management of type 1 diabetes in adults. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).Diabetologia.(2021-12)