New Treatments for Diabetes Mellitus

Q - Are there any new treatments for diabetes mellitus?

A - Yes, many new methods have been discovered and are being tested by researchers. Those that are found to be acceptable are then introduced into clinical practice.

Q - What new diabetes treatment options are available?

A -

• New Drugs - There is on-going research to discover new treatments for diabetes using drugs. Some of these new drugs developed are already being used in some medical centres. Drugs like alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and thiazolidinediones are examples of newly developed drugs.


• New Insulin - A new insulin inhaler has been developed in a bid to ease the pains of injecting insulin suffered by diabetics. This inhaler delivers insulin into the lungs from where it is absorbed into the blood. It is used in the same way as asthmatics use their inhalers. People with serious respiratory problems are advised not to use this inhaler. Ask your doctor for more information.


• Surgery - Surgical treatment of diabetes mellitus involves transplanting insulin producing islet cells or transplanting part of the pancreas of a normal individual to someone with diabetes. The down side of this is that after the transplant, the patient will have to take some immuno-suppressive drugs to stop the body from rejecting the new cells. These drugs have some terrible side effects and results in a situation where one discomfort (diabetes) is substituted with another (side-effects).


• Gene Therapy - This is still being researched. Scientists have found a way of isolating the gene that makes the islet cells to produce insulin. They have also discovered ways of introducing this gene into other cells (like fat cells) and making these new cells to produce insulin. However, there are some other problems being faced, if when solved, will make this method a reliable option for millions of diabetics worldwide.


• Herbal and Natural Treatments - There are so many claims of magic cures with herbal treatments, natural remedies, and nutritional supplements. Some of these treatments make use of certain food nutrients like chromium and amino acids that have been found to enhance insulin secretion. While others use appetite depressants that encourage weight loss, thereby decreasing insulin resistance in obese people. It is important to note however, that since many of these "treatments" are not considered as drugs but as food substances, most countries don't have any organization that verifies the claims made by these companies. They only verify that it is safe for consumption like any other food substance or vitamin supplement. My advice to you is: Before you take any of these treatments, discuss with your doctor because it may contain substances that react with your diabetes medication.


• Others - Research is also being carried out discover other ways of administering insulin and also to find out newer diabetic pills that can be used with success.

Q - Are these new treatments for diabetes as effective as the old ones?

A - At the moment, most of them are still in various stages of development. Some are as effective as the old treatments, some are more effective but with more problems too, and some are particularly suited to people with some peculiar issues. When these treatments are fully tested and standardized, they will become available to everyone. Reliable diabetes research foundations carry out trials to assess new treatments for diabetes and you can volunteer to be in one.

Published - June, 2006