ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The incidence of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, has increased substantially, making this metabolic disease a global public health concern. In the case of type 1 diabetes, one important contribution to the therapeutic alternatives has been the addition of new insulin analogs, which have helped to individualize insulin-intensive treatment. The widespread use of continuous real-time glucose sensors (CGM) that measure interstitial glucose levels every five minutes has become a mainstay of treatment. The use of CGM improves glucose levels, decrease com- plications, and improve patients’ quality of life. Automated insulin infusion technologies are another important improvement in the therapy of type 1 diabetes. The latter, by integrating continuous blood glucose monitoring with insulin administration, allows permanent ad- justment of insulin infusion according to the glucose levels. Concerning type 2 diabetes, the development of incretin-related drugs, especially glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, has revolutionized the management of this condition. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 in- hibitors (iSGLT2) and bariatric surgery are important therapeutic contributions to treating type 2 diabetes. All these new treatment options have helped to improve the lives of millions of persons living with diabetes.