Pharmacological advances delay the onset of subject diabetes and improve glucose control.

One in seven adults in Spain has diabetes. According to theSpanish Diabetes Society, its prevalence now stands at 14.8%, making it the European country with the second highest rate. However, as they point out, almost half of those affected are unaware that they have the disease, and more than 40% of those diagnosed do not achieve their blood glucose control targets. To mark World Diabetes Day,specialists from the Diabetes Unit at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra the significant therapeutic advances made in recent years and the need to continue raising awareness of the importance of monitoring and early diagnosis. 

Paradigm shift in diabetes subject

Patients with diabetes subject , caused by the inability to produce insulin,have experienced a paradigm shift, as it is now possible to intervene in the course of the disease for the first time. Although there is no cure for this condition, a new drug has made it possible to delay its onset in people at high risk of development Degree development Degree people with previous autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease or autoimmune thyroiditis. This means that it manifests clinically later, buying time and improving quality of life. 

"Thanks to the results of astudy, we have been able to see the benefits of a new drug called Teplizumab, which delays diabetes by a median of 32 months,"explains Dr. Javier Escalada, director department Endocrinology and Nutrition. It is still a recently applied drug that is not widely used.  

"The therapeutic approach consists of 14 days of intravenous treatment. The drug is an immunomodulator, that is, a re-educator of the immune system with a good profile . We must monitor the probable decrease issue , but this is a reversible process, and the possible appearance of skin reactions that are easy to treat," adds Dr. Escalada. 

Better control of sugar and associated complications

In the management of diabetes subject , where the problem lies in the body's inability to make good use of insulin, progress has been made in developing more effective insulins with greater glucose control, but above all in addressing the adverse complications resulting from poor sugar management. "Just ten years ago, the drugs we use most today were practically non-existent or rarely used. Insulins have been modernized, and continuous glucose monitoring systems—patches that record sugar levels in real time—are much more accessible and effective. The change in a decade has been spectacular, both in terms of therapeutic options and in quality of life and disease control," says Dr. Juan Zubiría, a specialist in department Endocrinology and Nutrition.  

Most significantly, he emphasizes, the new drugs not only reduce glucose levels but also protect other organs. "Traditionally, diabetes treatments only lowered blood sugar, which is already important, but current treatments go further: they offer cardiovascular and renal benefits and significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with the disease," he explains. 

Despite these advances, there is still a high percentage of people with undiagnosed diabetes or inadequate control."Often these are patients who were prescribed treatment years ago and have not had it reviewed since. It is likely that their diabetes is poorly controlled," he adds. 

Both experts agree that the combination of therapeutic innovation, early detection, and continuous medical monitoring is core topic improving the prognosis and quality of life of people with diabetes. 

World Diabetes Day

 
To mark World Diabetes Day, both of the Clinic's locations have set up information tables to raise awareness about diabetes: which types are the most serious, how it is treated, and what lifestyle changes can be made to prevent it.

As Dr. Zubiría points out, "part of managing diabetes depends on each individual. We can talk about medications and advances in treatment, but healthy habits and regular check-ups with your doctor are core topic diagnosing and managing this disease effectively."

In Madrid, nursesClaudia KnorrandSusana Diéguezand nursing assistantsGema HolgadoandSara González Crespohave also carried out blood sugar tests. "These glucose tests are purpose raise awareness of the importance of early detection of diabetes, as doing financial aid early financial aid when it comes to diagnosis," explains Susana.

Meanwhile, in Pamplona,María Elena Martínez,Salomé Pérez, andLidia Pinillosattended to those who came to visit. "As professionals, we must bear in mind that Education should seek to empower individuals, helping them to make informed decisions, improve their physical and emotional well-being, and enable them to enjoy a full life," they point out.