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World J Diabetes. Sep 15, 2010; 1(4): 109-110
Published online Sep 15, 2010. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v1.i4.109
Published online Sep 15, 2010. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v1.i4.109
A fairy tale of modern insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes
Nikolaos Papanas, Maria Demetriou, Efstratios Maltezos, Outpatient Clinic of Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism at the Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece
Author contributions: Demetriou M and Papanas N conceived this manuscript; Demetriou M wrote the first draft; Papanas N finalized the manuscript; and Maltezos E provided useful insight throughout the process.
Correspondence to: Nikolaos Papanas, MD, Outpatient Clinic of Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism at the Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, G Kondyli 22, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece. papanasnikos@yahoo.gr
Telephone: +30-25510-84972 Fax: +30 25510-74723
Received: July 2, 2010
Revised: August 22, 2010
Accepted: August 29, 2010
Published online: September 15, 2010
Revised: August 22, 2010
Accepted: August 29, 2010
Published online: September 15, 2010
Abstract
In type 1 diabetes, flexible, intensive insulin management improves not only glycemic control but also dietary freedom and treatment satisfaction. Such flexibility has been made possible with the new insulin analogues (as part of a basal-bolus regime) and is now gaining wide applicability, especially among children and adolescents. This approach requires appropriate individualized patient education. Especially for adolescents, the clinician should be able to guarantee insightful participation in direct response to their attitudes, wishes and needs. This patient-and-doctor collaboration is an ever-challenging duty and has the potential to change the future of the individual diabetic patient.
Keywords: Adolescence; Type 1 diabetes mellitus; Freedom; Education; Glycemic control; Insulin