Diabetes, which according to the American Diabetes Association affected 23 million Americans in 2007, or 8 percent of the population, can cause devastating health problems, including vision loss, heart disease, loss of feeling in extremities, increased risk of infection, and kidney disease. Much research into the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications has led to new advances in care.
A1C Monitoring
Unlike finger sticks, which provide a picture of blood glucose at a given moment, A1C levels provide an overall picture of blood glucose levels over a two- to three-month period. This gives a more accurate assessment of blood glucose control, according to the American Diabetes Association. The A1C test measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin in red blood cells. Glycated hemoglobin is hemoglobin that links to glucose in the blood. Since old red blood cells die and new ones are made over a three-month period, the A1C levels reflect the amount of glycated hemoglobin over that time period, with 5 percent being the average in people without diabetes. A1C can rise as high as 25 percent in people with extremely poor blood glucose control.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Blood glucose rises higher than normal in diabetics, damaging blood vessels throughout the body. Keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible through insulin injections and oral medications helps minimize damage or delay its onset. Most people with diabetes check their blood glucose levels several times a day, and may adjust their medication doses according to the results. Continuous glucose monitors, which can be programmed to alarm when blood sugar levels rise above or fall below a certain level, help people recognize and treat changes in blood glucose faster than finger sticks done several times a day. A continuous glucose monitor, called a CGM, inserts under the skin and remains in place for several days up to a week, providing continuous monitoring of glucose in tissue fluid, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states.
Pancreatic Transplant
In type 1 diabetes, which usually develops before age 30, the beta cells in the pancreas stop working, destroyed by an autoimmune response. Beta cells make insulin, which helps cells absorb glucose, necessary for energy. Type 1 diabetes affects around 10 percent of all diabetics, the Merck Manual notes. Pancreatic transplant replaces the non-functional beta cells with a working system that frees these patients from insulin injections, according to the University of Chicago. Pancreatic transplant is used only for type 1 diabetes. People with kidney failure often benefit from a joint kidney and pancreatic transplant.
