Retinopathy and nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes four years after a trial of intensive therapy

Article Abstract:

Four years after the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial ended in 1993, many of the diabetics who received intensive insulin treatment still had a lower rate of diabetic retinal disease and diabetic kidney disease. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial tested different intensities of insulin treatment. During the trial, some participants had one or two insulin injections per day and some had at least three injections or used an insulin pump. Those who received intensive therapy continued to benefit even though their blood sugar levels began to rise after the trial was over.

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Treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Article Abstract:

The best way to treat diabetic retinopathy is to prevent it. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the retina caused by long-standing diabetes. It can eventually cause blindness if not treated. If treated, the five-year risk of blindness can be reduced by 90% and the risk of macular degeneration reduced by 50%. However, the disease must be caught in the early stages. This means that all diabetics should have regular eye exams. Controlling blood sugar levels can also reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy as well as other complications of diabetes.

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Pancreas transplantation and diabetic complications

Article Abstract:

Most patients with insulin-dependent, or type 1, diabetes should not be offered a pancreas transplant unless they cannot control their blood sugar adequately with insulin. A 1998 study found that pancreas transplants could normalize blood sugar levels and reverse the early stages of kidney disease. However, transplants are invasive, they may be rejected, and patients must take immunosuppressant drugs, which can damage the kidney.

Editorial, Pancreas, Pancreas transplantation

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