The absence of a diabetes vaccine is truly a big concern for people suffering from this condition. However, the availability of insulin shots and oral medications can alleviate the condition and make it manageable. Regardless of the type of insulin or Metformin usage, managing diabetes can be easy undertaking. However, people still wonder about the research and development revolving diabetes vaccine.
Clinical studies are already underway in creating an effective vaccine to prevent diabetes. One of the recent breakthroughs involves the development of a vaccine made from GAD or glutamic acid decarboxylase. This development was made possible Dr. Johnny Ludvigsson, a senior professor in the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at the Linkoping University of Sweden.
Since the production of insulin-producing cells characterizes diabetes, the vaccine is purposely made to inhibit or slow such an occurrence in people with diabetes. The vaccine also helps the body produce insulin naturally, without the risk of irregular blood sugar levels. It also prevents the development of hypoglycemia.
The clinical research spearheaded by Dr. Ludvigsson has seen a positive development; however, more clinical trials are needed to prove the vaccine’s effectiveness to everyone. In the second phase of the study, people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes were recruited for the research. The findings showed, the treatment involving GAD-alum also assisted the immune system fight against type 1 diabetes, which is also an autoimmune disease.
GAD-alum treatment has made promising results so far. Based on earlier research and studies, it has become the safest way to preserve insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes. This also explains the thorough studies to ensure that this treatment can go a long way, to make a drug that will treat and cure type 1 diabetes.
How to manage diabetes?
With the absence of a diabetes vaccine, following some preventive measures is the smartest approach to manage this condition better. Besides the use of insulin shots or pumps, there are other ways to control the body’s blood sugar levels. Some of these include:
- Eating only nutritious food – For individuals with diabetes, cutting off carbohydrates intake is necessary. Food rich in protein are recommended, such as chicken meat, which can make people feel full immediately.
- Cutting off sodas, pops and other beverages – While there are beverages that do not contribute to the rising blood sugar levels, it is wise to control your consumption of sodas. Note that sodas can cause overweight, and remember that the condition can trigger type 2 diabetes.
- Exercise regularly – Individuals diagnosed with diabetes are recommended to exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes to 1 hour a day. Doing so will prevent them from getting fat or overweight, which is a risk factor for diabetes development.
Alongside the mentioned activities that people with diabetes can follow, regular insulin medication is necessary. Insulin treatment is the only way to control diabetes until the new research succeeds and reaches the market.
