How Groundbreaking Innovations and Early Detection Are Transforming Diabetes Care in the KSA

The body's defense mechanism fights off dangerous viruses, bacteria, and other invaders. Nevertheless, in certain people, this safeguarding process may end up attacking the body instead.

Such is the case with type 1 diabetes, a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly targets the very cells responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Sofiani, an Associate Professor specializing in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at King Saud University, notes that numerous patients suffering from type 1 diabetes often arrive at the emergency department exhibiting signs such as extreme tiredness, significant weight reduction, frequent urination, and intense thirst.

He points out that in individuals with type 1 diabetes, the immune system generates antibodies that target and destroy the beta cells within the pancreas. These beta cells play a crucial role as they produce insulin, the essential hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Nevertheless, despite the formation of antibodies, there is an extended period without symptoms, and the actual appearance of type 1 diabetes signs occurs only after considerable damage to the beta cells has taken place.

During this phase, there is a crucial time frame for early intervention and detection. As Dr. Al-Sofiani points out, the difficulty resides in recognizing the illness prior to reaching its advanced stages where insulin treatment becomes essential.

A significant peril associated with this illness is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), wherein the bloodstream turns acidic because of a buildup of ketones.

Frequently the initial indication of type 1 diabetes in kids, DKA has the potential to be very serious.

In Saudi Arabia, the mortality rate associated with diabetic ketoacidosis is believed to be between 2 to 3.5 percent, highlighting the critical necessity for timely detection and preventative measures.

Dr. Professor Bassam Saleh Bin Abbas, who serves as a consultant and leads the Endocrinology & Diabetes section within the Pediatrics department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, highlights the distinctions between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

While type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune attacks which lead to partial or complete deficiency of insulin, type 2 diabetes stems from a resistance to insulin’s effects.

Hence, type 2 diabetes may be managed using medications that enhance the functionality of these receptors, whereas type 1 diabetes necessitates insulin treatment instead.

He also remarks that preventive drugs approved by the American and Saudi FDA are now available in Saudi Arabia.

These are particularly helpful for the relatives of those with type 1 diabetes as they typically have a genetic predisposition for this disease. It is also beneficial for those who have already developed the antibodies, even without any symptoms.

Notably, preventive drugs can help delay the onset of the disease in such individuals by a median of 2 to 2.7 years.

In Saudi Arabia, Sanofi is revolutionizing diabetes care with groundbreaking advancements, thereby promoting a move from reactive to preventive, patient-focused medical approaches.

In addition, these developments aim to help families achieve their primary goals: postponing the start of diseases and reducing the reliance on continuous insulin treatment.

Although type 1 diabetes frequently feels unexpectedly abrupt and daunting, its harmful effects can be reduced by timely identification and halting the advancement of the condition.

Apart from marking a significant scientific achievement, these medical advancements establish the groundwork for a strong national healthcare framework, grounded in principles like prevention, timely intervention, and improved results.

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