Diabete
In France, it is estimated that more than 5 million people have diabetes, plus around a million who are unaware of it. The disease is characterised by excessively high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood, known as hyperglycaemia.
/ Types of diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. This type of diabetes accounts for around 10% of cases and generally appears in children, adolescents and young adults.
- Type 2 diabetes: This is the most common form, accounting for around 90% of cases, mainly in adults. It develops gradually, often in association with overweight, obesity and lack of physical activity. In this case, the body becomes resistant to insulin even though it does not produce enough of it, due to an associated deficit in insulin secretion of genetic and/or environmental origin.
/ Symptoms and complications
Symptoms of diabetes can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue and unexplained weight loss, while appetite is retained or increased.
However, type 2 diabetes can remain asymptomatic for a long time. Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to serious complications:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney failure
- Retinal damage that can lead to blindness
- Neuropathy (damage to the nerves)
- Foot lesions that can lead to amputations
/ Diagnosis and treatment
Diabetes is diagnosed by a simple blood test to measure fasting blood sugar levels. A level above 1.26 g/L (7 mmol/L) on two occasions confirms the diagnosis. The aim of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels close to normal. It may include :
- A balanced diet
- Regular physical activity
- Medication (for type 2 diabetes)
- Insulin injections or insulin delivered by a miniature pump (compulsory for type 1, sometimes necessary for type 2)
/ Research and innovation
Diabetes research is very active. Promising advances include :
- The development of artificial pancreases (automated insulin pumps) for type 1 diabetes
- Cell therapy to restore insulin production
- New drugs to improve glycaemic control
Support and associations
Living with diabetes can be a daily challenge. Fortunately, there are many associations offering support and information to sufferers and their families. Thea French Federation of People with Diabetes, for example, offers support programmes, defends patients’ rights and supports research. The Association Française des Femmes Diabétiques focuses on issues specific to diabetic women, particularly during pregnancy. For young diabetics, the Aide aux Jeunes Diabétiques organises educational and fun stays, while supporting research and training for carers. The Société Francophone du Diabète promotes diabetes research and training for professionals.
References
/ Diabetes research at the IGF
At the IGF, researchers are conducting innovative research to understand the mechanisms involved in this complex pathology and to propose new therapeutic avenues.
Find out more about the projects of:
