Treatment Type 1- People with type 1 diabetes must control their carbohydrate intake and inject insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Type 2 - If well controlled, it is possible for some people to control type 2 diabetes with good exercise and healthy eating. Otherwise, oral medications or insulin can be prescribed to a patient if those aren't enough. |
University of Minnesota Research
The Schulz Diabetes Institute at The University of Minnesota is very close to ending the threat of Type 1 diabetes. Something that was once considered impossible, human islet transplantation to reverse type 1 diabetes now matches the success rate of pancreas transplants. The Institute has completed 9 trials, where: -90% of transplant recipients have become insulin-independent. -50% have become insulin-independent for 5 years. -80% of transplant recipients are protected from hypoglycemia after the 5 years of insulin-independence. The Schulz Diabetes Institute is currently at the final round of study before the FDA makes a decision to approve or deny the procedure as a treatment for Type 1 diabetes. |
Prognosis If well controlled, the prognosis for people with both types of diabetes is good. Many people diagnosed with diabetes can still live long and healthy lives like someone without; however, there are still a few concerns. Type 1 - those with this type have an increased risk of blindness, end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, amputations of feet and legs due to poor blood circulation, and death. Type 2 - those with this type have an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease than people without diabetes. |