They are exploring immunotherapy as an insulin replacement.

For almost a hundred years, treatment for type 1 diabetes has not advanced beyond insulin replacement therapy.

Colin Dayanfrom the Diabetes and Autoimmunity Group at Cardiff University School of Medicine (UK), is one of the experts involved in the study XXXV National Congress of the Spanish Diabetes Society (SED)where he spoke about the main research on the prevention of type 1 diabetes. The expert advocated the need to change the management of this disease through the use of low-risk immunotherapy, and in the future, reserve insulin and beta cell replacement. (stem cells or transplantation) as salvage options in cases where the disease presents late.

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the immune system itself damages beta cellswhich are found in the pancreas and are necessary for the production of insulin in the body.

According to this expert, Insulin does not provide satisfactory glycemic control in most people and there remains a significant unmet need for new treatments for type 1 diabetes. Their line of work is based on preserving beta cell function through therapies that regulate the functioning of the immune system (immunomodulation) to prevent insulin deficiency. He is convinced that this type of therapy can delay the loss of insulin-producing cells.

On the other hand, Antonio Perez, President of the SED, recalled that currently New insulins and delivery systems are being developed to make treatment easier for people with type 1 diabetes. Another notable improvement is the accuracy and precision of continuous glucose monitoring systems, as well as artificial pancreas systems or automated insulin infusion systems that include an insulin pump (real-time continuous interstitial glucose sensor and algorithm) that determines the amount of insulin. the pump should deliver based on the sensor readings).

“Star” drugs

In the field of type 2 diabetes, the head of the SED emphasized technologies (especially continuous glucose monitoring) to treat patients receiving insulin, as well as extraordinary development of new oral and injectable drugs. (GLP1 receptor agonists, dual GLP1/GIP agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors) for the treatment of hyperglycemia (increased glucose levels above normal values) and diseases associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular problems.

These drugs have significantly changed treatment strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, since in addition to influencing glycemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, reduce body weight and have a beneficial effect on the protection of the cardiovascular system and kidneys. Moreover, “in the case of GLP1 receptor agonists and dual GLP1/GIP agonists, due to their effect on weight, we can talk about the possibility of achieving long-term remission of the disease,” says the president of THIRST.

However, everything Experts warn diabetes has reached pandemic levels: The overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes is currently 13.8% of the population and this figure becomes truly alarming when you consider that 6% of the population has diabetes but does not know it and that more than 10% of the adult population suffers from diabetes. risk of developing diabetes.

The SED Chairman recalled that Diabetes is a complex disease in which the long-term health problems it causes are more important than the acute episodes. (sudden increase or decrease in glucose levels) and poses a significant burden on the person suffering from it and on the healthcare system.