Changing the Narrative: Insights from Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes 2024
Introduction:
Embarking on a journey to ATTD 2024 was more than just attending a conference; it was an odyssey into the heart of diabetes care innovation. From groundbreaking therapies to cutting-edge technologies, the insights shared at ATTD 2024 illuminated the path toward a brighter future for diabetes management worldwide. Here, we delve into the key highlights that define the essence of this transformative event, offering a glimpse into the advancements shaping the landscape of diabetes care.
1. CGM Improves Hypoglycemia Detection: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) improves the detection of hypoglycemia, aiding in timely intervention and management.
2. Islet Cell Therapy for Insulin Independence: Islet cell therapy offers the potential for insulin independence, reducing the need for exogenous insulin.
3. Restoration of Glucagon Response: Islet cell therapy restores the glucagon response, improving the body's counter-regulatory defense against hypoglycemia.
4. Restored Awareness of Hypoglycemia: Islet cell therapy restores awareness of hypoglycemia, reducing the risk of severe hypoglycemia events.
5. Reduction in Glucose Variability: Islet cell therapy reduces glucose variability, leading to more stable blood glucose levels.
6. Immunosuppression Requirement: Islet cell therapy requires immunosuppression, which may pose challenges for some individuals, especially those with modest kidney function.
7. Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery Systems: Closed-loop insulin delivery systems offer insulin dependence but reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and improve glucose control.
8. Glucagon Antagonist for Insulin Sensitivity: Glucagon antagonists are a promising tool for testing if reducing exogenous insulin improves insulin sensitivity.
9. Addressing Cognitive Decline and Dementia in Type 1 Diabetes: Studies presented at ATTD 2024 highlighted the increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in individuals with type 1 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of optimal blood sugar control and personalized care to mitigate these risks.
10. HbA1c and Mean Blood Glucose: HbA1c may underestimate or overestimate mean glucose levels, highlighting the importance of additional monitoring methods.
11. Diabetes Advocacy in Low-Income Countries: Presentations like Hamida's shed light on the challenges faced by diabetes advocates in low-income countries and the need for greater attention to Africa.
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| Hamida presenting virtually |
12. Insulin Availability in Low-Income Countries: Insulin availability is a critical issue in low- and middle-income countries, with some countries lacking registered insulin products.
13. Lifetime Economic Burden of T1D: The lifetime economic burden of T1D is substantial, highlighting the need for cost-effective diabetes management strategies.
14. Cost of Low-Dose ATG: The cost of low-dose ATG is now higher than hybrid closed-loop systems, presenting challenges for access to this treatment option.
15. FDA Approval for Teplizumab: The FDA approval of Teplizumab marks a significant milestone in delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes.
16. Stem Cell Approaches for T1D: Stem cell approaches show promise in beta cell replacement, offering potential long-term solutions for T1D.
17. Immune Protection in Islet Cell Therapy: Strategies to avoid immunosuppressive drugs and ensure effective encapsulation are crucial for long-term graft survival.
18. Challenges in Islet Transplantation: Challenges in islet transplantation include the lack of experienced teams, access to specialized care, and complete patient history.
19. HbA1c and MBG: HbA1c may underestimate or overestimate mean glucose levels, highlighting the importance of additional monitoring methods.
20. Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs): Patient-reported outcomes provide valuable insights into the impact of diabetes on daily life and can guide personalized treatment plans.
21. Time in Tight Range (TITR): TITR may be a more physiological target than time in range (TIR), especially in certain populations like those with T2D.
22. Future of AID Systems: The future of AID systems holds the promise of better control, reduced burden, and improved quality of life for individuals with diabetes.
23. Neural Net Implementations in AID Systems: Neural net implementations offer faster calculations and performance improvements in insulin dosing.
24. Survival After Islet Transplantation: Islet transplantation is not associated with an increased risk of mortality and may reduce mortality risk in individuals with T1D.
25. Lessons from Islet Allograft Experience: Lessons learned from islet allograft experiences include the importance of an experienced team, access to specialized care, and patient history.
26. Extrahepatic Transplant Sites: Extrahepatic transplant sites with portal drainage may pose a risk to cell product safety, requiring careful consideration.
27. Chronic Immunosuppression Elimination: Strategies to eliminate chronic recipient immunosuppression are essential for long-term graft survival.
28. Improved Pancreas and Islet Preservation Technologies: Advances in pancreas and islet preservation technologies are crucial for maintaining graft viability.
29. Stem Cell-Derived Sources for Islet Transplantation: Adequate supply of stem cell-derived sources is essential if allogeneic pancreases are insufficient to meet demand.
30. Strategies to Eliminate Disease Recurrence: Strategies to eliminate disease recurrence after an initially successful intervention include improving long-term outcomes, avoiding rejection or autoimmune recurrence, and addressing marginal mass long-term graft exhaustion.
31. Diabetes Advocate Perspective: Presentations like Hamida's shed light on the challenges faced by diabetes advocates in low-income countries and the need for greater attention to Africa.
32. Insulin Registration: Insulin availability is a critical issue in low- and middle-income countries, with some countries lacking registered insulin products.
33. Islet Isolation: Challenges in islet isolation and the need for regional GMP facilities present obstacles in islet transplantation.
34. Glucose Sensor Technology: Glucose sensors reduce the hypoglycemic consequences of impaired awareness of hypoglycemia and are associated with a lower prevalence of IAH.
35. AID Algorithm Transition: AID algorithms are transitioning to neural-net implementations, improving speed and performance in insulin dosing.
36. Pediatric Diabetes Care: Specialized care for pediatric diabetes focuses on age-specific challenges, emphasizing growth, development, and psychosocial aspects.
37. Precision Diabetes: Precision medicine in diabetes aims to tailor treatments based on individual characteristics, including genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle.
38. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Diabetes Management: AI technologies, including machine learning algorithms, enhance diabetes management by analyzing data and providing personalized recommendations.
39. Telemedicine and Diabetes Care: Telemedicine improves access to diabetes care, enabling remote consultations, monitoring, and education, particularly beneficial in rural or underserved areas.
40. Advancing Diabetes Education: The ATTD 2024 conference featured discussions on the role of e-learning in diabetes education, highlighting its potential to improve access to knowledge and skills for healthcare providers and people living with diabetes, ultimately enhancing diabetes care and management worldwide.
41. Psychological Support: Diabetes management includes psychological support to address the emotional impact of living with a chronic condition and improve overall well-being.
42. Diabetes Complications Prevention: Early detection and management of diabetes complications, such as retinopathy and neuropathy, are crucial in preventing long-term health issues.
43. Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity helps manage blood glucose levels, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall well-being.
44. Public Health Policies: Government policies and public health initiatives play a crucial role in preventing diabetes, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring access to care.
45. Diabetes Technology Integration: Integrating diabetes technologies into healthcare systems improves efficiency, accuracy, and outcomes for people living with diabetes.
46. Health Equity and Access: Addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to diabetes care are essential for improving outcomes in underserved populations.
47. Research and Innovation: Ongoing research and innovation drive advancements in diabetes management, leading to improved treatments and outcomes for patients worldwide.
48. T1D Index Impact: The T1D Index provides a groundbreaking measurement of type 1 diabetes (T1D) impact, revealing the healthy years of life it takes and offering strategies to reduce its impact.
49. Global Impact: The T1D Index sheds light on the global impact of T1D, highlighting the need for timely diagnosis, access to insulin and technology, and research into prevention and cures to improve and save lives.
50. Looking Ahead: Collaborative efforts, innovation, and inclusivity are key to overcoming the challenges in diabetes care and ensuring access to quality care for all individuals.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the myriad of insights and innovations shared at ATTD 2024, one thing is clear: the future of diabetes care is brimming with promise. From revolutionary therapies to novel technologies, the conference has showcased the remarkable progress being made in the field. As we look ahead, let us carry forth this spirit of innovation and collaboration, working together to transform the lives of those living with diabetes.
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: Heartfelt thanks to #dedoc for sponsoring my ATTD 2024 attendance in Florence, Italy, alongside the other #dedoc°voices who joined both in-person and virtually. Their support made this incredible experience possible! Learn more about #dedoc° and consider applying for future opportunities: [Link](https://www.dedoc.org/about)
Thanks for sharing Tino. Awesome seeing that there are moves being made in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteWhile these presentations and publications are great,they always leave one wondering ,what next now? How do we move on from what we have shared about and see those things happen? How does one create meaningful impact?
Thank you for your insightful comment! Creating meaningful impact involves translating knowledge into action. It requires collaboration among stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and people with lived experience. To move forward, we must advocate for policy changes, funding for research and access to care, and support initiatives that promote innovation and education. It's about taking the information we've gathered and using it to drive real change in the diabetes community. What do you think are the most important next steps?
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