Diabetes
Diabetes
Author: Björn Schultze
Symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Common symptoms can include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms can appear quickly, while type 2 diabetes often develops gradually and may be without symptoms for a long time. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Diagnosis of diabetes
Diabetes is usually diagnosed through blood tests that measure blood sugar levels. The most common tests are fasting blood sugar, glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c (long-term blood sugar). An HbA1c value above 48 mmol/mol indicates diabetes. For type 1 diabetes, tests for autoantibodies are also used. Early diagnosis is crucial to reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.
“Treatment options for diabetes have developed significantly in just the last 10 years, both concerning GLP1 analogues and various forms of tablet treatment. However, there is still an enormous need for research and more clinical trials. We are grateful that patients with diabetes choose to dedicate their time and commitment to participate in studies.”
Björn Schultze
MD
Current treatment for diabetes
Treatment differs between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin injections or an insulin pump. Type 2 diabetes is often treated with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, as well as medications like metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or GLP-1 analogues. The goal is to keep blood sugar within a healthy range and prevent complications. In recent years, methods such as continuous glucose monitoring and digital aids have also improved treatment options.
Why is it important to develop new treatment methods for diabetes?
Although diabetes care and the ability to live a more normal life with diabetes have changed in recent years, there is still a great need to continue developing new treatment methods for patients with diabetes. Many patients experience side effects from medications, such as stomach problems, weight gain, or hypoglycemia. Insulin treatment can be complex and requires careful dosing. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes is often linked to other conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disease, which makes treatment more complicated.
Another aspect of diabetes care is that current treatments do not cure the disease, but only control the symptoms. There is a great need for personalized treatments that consider genetic and lifestyle-related factors. Research into stem cells, immunotherapy, and digital tools that support behavioral changes are promising areas for future treatments.
CTC's experience in diabetes research
CTC regularly conducts large and small studies in various phases of diabetes drug development, and patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are therefore a large and important patient group for CTC. In addition to numerous studies with new drug substances for diabetes, CTC has conducted studies that contribute to methods that can better evaluate the effect of new treatments and drugs. Examples of this are so-called clamp studies, where the blood sugar levels of a research participant are kept stable while the participant receives an insulin infusion, and studies that look at glucose uptake in different tissues using a PET-MR camera. Given the large area that diabetes covers and the number of study requests received regarding diabetes, CTC always has a great need to get in touch with patients with diabetes who are interested in participating in clinical trials.
Do you want to participate in studies at CTC?
When you register with our database, you will receive information about upcoming or ongoing studies that match your profile. Once you have expressed your interest in participating, our staff will contact you. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
