Diabetes is a chronic disease with no cure as of 2009[update]. It is associated with an impaired glucose cycle, altering metabolism. Management of this disease may include carefully managing diet, exercising, taking oral diabetes medication, using some form of insulin, maintaining proper circulation in extremities and may be further complicated by other external factors such as stress, illness, menses, injection site scarring, and other physiological factors unique to individual patients.
Issues
The primary issue requiring management is the glucose cycle, whereby glucose in the bloodstream is made available to cells in the body, a process dependent upon the twin cycles of glucose entering the bloodstream, and insulin allowing appropriate uptake into the cells of the body. Both aspects can require management.
Complexities
The main complexities stem from the nature of the feedback loop itself, which is sought to be regulated:
* The glucose cycle is a system which is affected by two factors: entry of glucose into the bloodstream and also blood levels of insulin to control its transport out of the bloodstream
* As a system, it is sensitive to diet and exercise
* It is affected by the need for user anticipation due to the complicating effects of time delays between any activity and the respective impact on the glucose system
* Management is highly intrusive and compliance is an issue, since it relies upon user lifestyle change and (often) upon regular sampling and measuring of blood glucose levels, multiple times a day in many cases
* It changes as people grow and develop
* It is highly individual
As diabetes is a prime risk factor for cardiovascular disease, controlling other risk factors which may give rise to secondary conditions, as well as the diabetes itself, is one of the facets of diabetes management. Checking cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels may indicate hyperlipoproteinemia, which may warrant treatment with hypolipidemic drugs. Checking the blood pressure and keeping it within strict limits (using diet and antihypertensive treatment) protects against the retinal, renal and cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Regular follow-up by a podiatrist or other foot health specialists is encouraged to prevent the development of diabetic foot. Annual eye exams are suggested to monitor for progression of diabetic retinopathy.
The expense, inconvenience and discomfort of frequent blood glucose measurements has been a significant challenge until recently. Recently newer devices which monitor glucose levels on an ongoing basis have been developed, as detailed below.
[edit] Early advancements
Late in the nineteenth century, sugar in the urine (glycosuria) was associated with diabetes. Various doctors studied the connection. Frederick Madison Allen studied diabetes in 1909-12, then published a large volume, Studies Concerning Glycosuria and Diabetes, (Boston, 1913). He invented a fasting treatment for diabetes called the Allen treatment for diabetes. His diet was an early attempt at managing diabetes.
Modern approaches
Modern approaches to diabetes primarily rely upon dietary and lifestyle management, often combined with regular ongoing blood glucose level monitoring.
Diet management allows control and awareness of the types of nutrients entering the digestive system, and hence allows indirectly, significant control over changes in blood glucose levels. Blood glucose monitoring allows verification of these, and closer control, especially important since some symptoms of diabetes are not easy for the patient to notice without actual measurement.
Other approaches include exercise and other lifestyle changes which impact the glucose cycle.
In addition, a strong partnership between the patient and the primary healthcare provider – general practitioner or internist – is an essential tool in the successful management of diabetes. Often the primary care doctor makes the initial diagnosis of diabetes and provides the basic tools to get the patient started on a management program. Regular appointments with the primary care physician and a certified diabetes educator are some of the best things a patient can do in the early weeks after a diagnosis of diabetes. Upon the diagnosis of diabetes, the primary care physician, specialist, or endocrinologist will conduct a full physical and medical examination. A thorough assessment covers topics such as:
* Height and weight measurements
* Blood pressure measurements
* Thyroid examination
* Examination of hands, fingers, feet, and toes for circulatory abnormalities
* Blood tests for fasting blood sugar, A1c, and cholesterol
* Family history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke
* Prior infections and medical conditions
* A list of current medications, including:
o Prescription medications
o Over-the-counter medications
o Vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements
* Smoking history, including encouragement to stop smoking (if applicable)
* Signs of complications with pregnancy or trying to get pregnant for women patients
* Eating and exercise habits
* Vision abnormalities, to check for eye health issues
* Urination abnormalities, which can indicate kidney disease
Diabetes can be very complicated, and the physician needs to have as much information as possible to help the patient establish an effective management plan. Physicians may often experience data overload resulting from hundreds of blood-glucose readings, insulin dosages and other health factors occurring between regular office visits which must be deciphered during a relatively brief visit with the patient to determine patterns and establish or modify a treatment plan.
The physician can also make referrals to a wide variety of professionals for additional health care support. In the UK a patient training course is available for newly diagnosed diabetics (see DESMOND).In a large city there may be a diabetes center where several specialists, such as diabetes educators and dietitians, work together as a team. In smaller towns, the health care team may come together a little differently depending on the types of practitioners in the area. By working together, doctors and patients can optimize the healthcare team to successfully manage diabetes over the long term.