What is Diabetes?

  • Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose).
  • Two main types:
    • Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Usually starts in childhood.
    • Type 2 Diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough. More common in adults but increasing in youth.

History of Diabetes

  • Ancient Times: Symptoms like sweet urine were described in Egyptian and Indian medical texts (around 1500 BCE).
  • 19th Century: Scientists began to understand the role of the pancreas in diabetes.
  • 1921: Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. First used to treat diabetes in humans in 1922.
  • Mid-20th Century: Development of synthetic insulin and blood glucose monitoring devices.
  • Late 20th Century: Discovery of genes linked to diabetes and the introduction of oral medications for Type 2 diabetes.

Key Experiments

1. Discovery of Insulin (1921)

  • Method: Removal of the pancreas from dogs led to diabetes symptoms. Extracts from healthy pancreases reversed these symptoms.
  • Impact: Allowed for insulin therapy, saving millions of lives.

2. Glucose Tolerance Test

  • Method: Measures how quickly glucose is cleared from the blood after drinking a sugary solution.
  • Impact: Diagnoses diabetes and prediabetes.

3. Artificial Pancreas Trials

  • Method: Devices automatically monitor and adjust insulin levels in real time.
  • Impact: Improved blood sugar control for people with Type 1 diabetes.

Modern Applications

1. Insulin Therapy

  • Types: Fast-acting, long-acting, and intermediate insulin.
  • Delivery: Injections, insulin pens, and pumps.

2. Blood Glucose Monitoring

  • Finger-prick tests: Portable meters measure blood sugar.
  • Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Sensors worn on the skin provide real-time data.

3. Oral Medications

  • Metformin: Reduces glucose production in the liver.
  • SGLT2 Inhibitors: Help kidneys remove excess glucose.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

  • Balanced diet: Low in refined sugars and high in fiber.
  • Physical activity: Helps control blood sugar and weight.

Emerging Technologies

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • AI algorithms analyze blood sugar patterns and predict highs/lows.
  • Personalized treatment plans using data from wearable devices.

2. Smart Insulin

  • Smart insulin activates only when blood sugar is high, reducing risk of low blood sugar episodes.

3. Gene Editing

  • CRISPR technology being tested to repair faulty genes that cause diabetes.

4. Closed-Loop Systems

  • Artificial pancreas combines CGMs and insulin pumps, automatically adjusting insulin delivery.

5. Telemedicine

  • Remote consultations allow patients to get advice and adjust treatment plans from home.

Recent Study

  • A 2022 study published in Nature Medicine demonstrated that a closed-loop artificial pancreas system improved blood glucose control in children with Type 1 diabetes (Boughton et al., 2022).

Diabetes and Technology

  • Technology enables real-time monitoring, data analysis, and automated insulin delivery, improving quality of life.
  • Wearable devices and mobile apps help patients track diet, exercise, and medication.
  • Big Data helps researchers identify patterns and develop new treatments.
  • Telehealth expands access to diabetes care, especially in remote areas.

Glossary

  • Insulin: Hormone that helps cells absorb glucose from blood.
  • Glucose: Type of sugar used by cells for energy.
  • Pancreas: Organ that produces insulin.
  • CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor): Device that tracks blood sugar in real time.
  • CRISPR: Gene-editing technology.
  • Metformin: Common medication for Type 2 diabetes.
  • SGLT2 Inhibitors: Drugs that help kidneys remove glucose.
  • Artificial Pancreas: Device that mimics the function of a healthy pancreas.
  • Telemedicine: Healthcare provided remotely using technology.

Summary

Diabetes is a major health condition that affects how the body uses glucose. Its history includes ancient observations, key discoveries like insulin, and modern advances in medicine and technology. Today, diabetes care uses innovative tools like CGMs, artificial pancreas systems, and AI-powered apps. Emerging technologies such as smart insulin and gene editing offer hope for better management and possible cures. Technology connects deeply to diabetes science, making treatment more effective and accessible. Ongoing research and new inventions continue to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

Reference

Boughton, C. K., et al. (2022). “Closed-loop insulin delivery for children with type 1 diabetes.” Nature Medicine, 28, 2247–2252. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02013-1