The therapy of diabetes

Metabolic abnormalities of diabetes are explained. Evidence is given which supports the role of viral infection and autoimmune reactions in diabetes etiology. Recent developments have improved results of traditional insulin therapy. Recombinant-DNA technology has been used to produce human insulin....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American scientist 1979-07, Vol.67 (4), p.422-431
Main Author: Maurer, Alice Chenault
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Artificial Organs
Blood Glucose - analysis
Diabetes Mellitus - physiopathology
Diabetes Mellitus - therapy
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - physiopathology
Diet, Diabetic
Dogs
Female
Fetus
Humans
Infant
Insulin - therapeutic use
Islets of Langerhans - physiopathology
Islets of Langerhans Transplantation
Pancreas Transplantation
Pregnancy
Rats
Transplantation, Homologous
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Summary:Metabolic abnormalities of diabetes are explained. Evidence is given which supports the role of viral infection and autoimmune reactions in diabetes etiology. Recent developments have improved results of traditional insulin therapy. Recombinant-DNA technology has been used to produce human insulin. A mixture of somatostatin and insulin achieved greater blood-glucose stability than insulin alone. Studies on the role of weight reduction, carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, dietary fiber, and the trace metals zinc and chromium have influenced present diet therapy. Research is being conducted on the feasibility of using mechnical or live-cell artificial endocrine pancreas to release insulin. Both require continuous intravenous connection, with risks of infection and clotting. Transplantation of the entire pancreas or islets of Langerhans has been attempted, but immunological rejection is a major problem. Autotransplantation has overcome rejection of islet transplants in rare cases. A recent breakthrough in pretreatment of transplants to make them less rejectable seems most promising
ISSN:0003-0996
1545-2786