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History of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus has been recognised since the beginning of ”medical time”. The ancient writings refer to a condition that is clearly insulin dependent Diabetes (Type 1) described as a condition in which bone and muscle turns to water. Over the years, the importance of diabetes has been recognised. Perhaps the most obvious landmark is 1921 and the discovery of insulin. Insulin dependent (Type 1) diabetes, which had previously been a fatal disease with the life expectancy of 18 months, was thought to have been cured by the introduction of insulin therapy. Latterly, in the 1940’s the instigation of oral medication allowed patients with non-insulin dependent (Type 2) diabetes to be more aggressively managed.
Despite the degree of optimism that was apparent in the 1920s and 1930s, it became clear that the problem associated with diabetes had not been cured but different problems had become apparent. Patients with Type 1 diabetes, who were now able to live near normal life styles on insulin began developing complications of long term diabetes, principally diabetes eye, kidney and circulatory disorders. Similarly patients with Type 2 diabetes also developed similar problems with eye, kidneys and circulation but more significantly were shown to have 2 – 3 fold increase in mortality as a consequence of increased risk of heart disease and strokes.
Research is extremely active and there is little doubt that over the next five to ten years there will be significant advances in the detection, prevention and perhaps even cure (through betacell transplantation and stem cell research) of these conditions. In the immediate future it is clear that improvements in the care of patients will come through an increased understanding of how to use many of the medications that we now have available to us. Another facet of the care is the realisation that this is a multifactorial disease in which high levels of cholesterol and blood pressure are highly significant and require aggressive treatment.
The appropriate use of medications can make significant impact on a course of the disease. There is a now an understanding of the major commitment required by the patients and their families in order to fulfil the treatment strategies that the medical profession would wish to impose. The nurturing of the patient is essential to ensure that people continue to monitor and regulate their medical condition to achieve improvements of the outcome of this condition.
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For further information, to purchase tickets for an event, or to request a leaflet, please call 01932 722330 or email: val.levy@asph.nhs.uk
The Stephanie Marks Appeal, Communications and Fundraising, The Studio, Ashford & St Peter’s NHS Trust, Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0PZ
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