Efficacy of program for treatment and training of patients with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

The authors analyze the results of comprehensive, prospective, controlled investigation of the program for intensive care and training of 121 patients with insulindependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The basic principles of the program are training on a team’s basis, intensive insulin therapy, automonitoring of metabolism, and liberal diet. The results demonstrate that glycemia level approaching the normal may be attained and maintained in the majority of patients without increasing the risk of grave hypoglycemia, cases with severe diabetic ketoacidosis may be eliminated, and periods of temporary invalidity of patients reduced by 7-10 times. The selected training program was equally effective for patients of various age groups and levels of education, as well as for patients with “labile” diabetes. Results of treatment did not depend on the type of insulin preparations used. The authors conclude on a higher efficacy of new strategy of IDDM treatment in comparison with the traditional approaches.