Treatment of type 1 diabetes

The goal of insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes is to ensure that the patient has a good quality of life (i.e., to avoid the occurrence of severe hypoglycemia as much as possible) and satisfactory control of metabolic levels (i.e., to actively prevent diabetic complications). Metformin and glucosidase inhibitor analogs may also be added in older patients.

Insulin analogs have pharmacokinetic advantages over conventional insulin, such as lispro or aspart insulin with ultra-short-acting activity and glargine or detemir insulin that mimic basal insulin properties. Regardless of the insulin regimen, patients should first receive special counseling and learn to monitor their own blood glucose on a regular basis to make timely adjustments to their treatment regimen and promote blood glucose compliance.