At the diagnosis stage, the development of symptoms and person's general condition determine the urgency of treatment. If the general condition is poor, with dehydration, disrupted salt balance or ketoacidosis, the management of diabetes begins in a hospital with infusion treatment and an intravenous insulin drip. If their general condition is good, the insulin therapy can start in an outpatient clinic, and self care guidance is arranged through frequent meetings.
Diabetes specialist nurse goes through the essentials of the early stages with the newly diagnosed person to enable them to manage through the first few weeks. The information and skills required for the self-management of diabetes are gradually learned over the course of the first year.
Insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes
In the management of type 1 diabetes, insulin are required. Insulin can be administered using insulin pens or an insulin pump. In type 1 diabetes, insulin must be available around the clock, and insulin delivery should never be completely interrupted under any circumstances.
Multiple Daily Injection Therapy
With multiple daily injection therapy, insulin is given using several injections each day. To replace the body’s lack of insulin, a long‑acting basal insulin is taken once a day. This insulin works throughout the day and night and helps control blood sugar levels between meals and during sleep by regulating the release of sugar from the liver into the bloodstream.
At mealtimes, a fast‑acting insulin is taken. The dose is based on the amount of carbohydrates in the meal and the blood sugar level measured before eating. If blood sugar levels are temporarily higher than the target range, small doses of fast‑acting insulin, called correction insulin, can be used. These doses are adjusted according to each person’s individual insulin sensitivity.
Insulin Pump Therapy
With insulin pump therapy, insulin is delivered through a small pump worn on the body. The pump gives a steady amount of insulin throughout the day and night (called basal insulin), and extra insulin doses are given at mealtimes (bolus doses).
Automated insulin delivery (AID) pumps are often recommended early on and, for many people, may be the preferred treatment option. These pumps use glucose sensor data to automatically adjust insulin delivery. This helps prevent low blood sugar levels and makes everyday diabetes management easier.
Starting AID therapy includes education and training. The pump settings are adjusted step by step with help from the diabetes care team to make sure the treatment works well for the individual.
When type 1 diabetes is first diagnosed, the body may still produce some insulin. Because of this, some people may manage with only a few insulin injections at the beginning of treatment for a short time.