Technology Used To Treat Duseae Flashcards
What is type 1 diabetes
It is a chronic auto immune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin producing beta cells in the islet of langerhans of the pancreas. This leads to little or no insulin production making it impossible for the body to regulate blood sugar levels properly.
What is the cause of type one diabetes?
Autoimmune reaction to the bodies immune system attacked its own pancreatic beta cells
Genetic factors history of type one diabetes increases the risk
Environmental triggers viral infection may triggered the immune response in genetically susceptible individuals
What are the long-term effects of the injection of insulin pump
Kidney failure, heart attack stroke amputation blindness or nerve damage
Symptoms of type one diabetes
Increased thirst frequent urination, extreme hunger and unexplained weight loss fatigue
Modern treatments for type on diabetes, what makes them user-friendly and the risk of the treatments
1-insulin therapy -patient takes insulin externally eg(humalog, Lantus)
User-friendliness portable and discrete, precise dosing.
risk -too much injection can cause dizziness, confusion, seizure and coma.
pancreatic islet cell transplantation- transplant healthy insulin producing beta cell from donor
User-friendliness -no need for insulin injection, Potentially long-term cure and reduce burden of diabetic management .
Risk immune system, rejection and limited availability
Immunotherapy drugs like teplizumab delays the onset of type one diabetes preventing immune system attacking beta cell.
User-friendliness it is a non-invasive option and has long-term benefits.
Traditional method for type one diabetes
1-herbs and natural remedies-common herbs and benefits like bitter melon and cinnamon help lower blood sugar level by improving glucose update and improve insulin sensitivity.
User-friendliness -easily available in affordable, less invasive than injection
Risk - unregulated dosage, and some herb can interfere with diabetic medication.
2-traditional diet approaches-very low carb diet, fasting and calorie restriction.
User-friendliness -reduces blood sugar level naturally, no fear of needles
Risk -neutron deficiencies and mainly to eating disorder
3-acupuncture traditional Chinese medicine-acupuncture may reduce inflammation and improve glucose metabolism and Chinese medicine such as ginseng licorice roots are believed to support pancreatic function
User-friendliness -they are non-invasive ,relaxing and pain-free.
What are ethical concerns for insulin therapy?
1-affordability and pricing: insulin in some country is prohibitively expensive. Ethical questions such as ethical for pharmaceutical companies to sit high prices for an essential drug may arise..
2-access in low income areas-many people especially in developing countries struggle to access insulin.
3-patient autonomy-some patients may prefer alternative treatments but dependent on insulin limit their choices
Ethical Concerns for pancreatic islet cell transplantation.
1-donor shortage and fair allocation-there is limited availability for donor and who should get priority can raise ethical concerns
2-risk versus benefits( benefeince)
-immuno suppressive drug(required post transplant) serious risks like infection and cancer. Is it ethical to expose patients to these risks for procedure that may not guarantee long-term success?
Ethical Concerned for immunotherapy
1-access and affordability-immunotherapy like teplizumab are expensive and not widely available. There’s concerns about equity should only wealthy parents get access..
2-long-term safety-since immunotherapy modifies the immune system it’s long-term effects are uncertain. Is it ethical to use it when potential risks aren’t fully understood?
3-informed consent- patience especially children must understand potential risks benefits and unknown before starting treatment
Concerns for the use of traditional treatments
1-safety and effectiveness-traditional treatments often like scientific validations and standardised dosage leading to uncertainty about the effectiveness and safety
2-patient autonomy and informed consent-patient have the right to choose a treatment but they must be given accurate evidence based information about risks and benefits
3-misinformation and false hope-some practitioners or alternative medicine advocates claim that traditional treatments can cure or replace insulin therapy which is false and dangerous
What is type two diabetes?
It is a chronic metabolic disorder where the body produces insulin but the cell don’t respond to it. They are largely influenced by lifestyle genetics environmental factors.
What are the symptoms of type two diabetes?
Frequent urination excessive thirst increased hunger, fatigue blurred vision slow healing of wound and frequent infections
Modern treatment for type two diabetes. Userfreindliess and risk
Bariatric Surgery (for obesity-related type 2 diabetes)
• User-friendliness: Not a daily treatment, but a one-time surgery that can significantly improve or even reverse type 2 diabetes in some individuals.
• Risks: Surgical complications, nutritional deficiencies, and long-term lifestyle adjustments.
Combination Therapies
• User-friendliness: Some treatments combine oral medications and insulin or injectables to manage blood sugar more effectively. These combinations may require multiple daily doses or injections.
• Risks: Combined risks from individual medications, including weight gain, hypoglycemia, and gastrointestinal issues.
Oral Medications
• Metformin:
• User-friendliness: Taken as a pill once or twice a day. It’s one of the most common and first-line treatments.
• Risks: Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or diarrhea; rare but serious risk of lactic acidosis in people with kidney problems.
What is hyperthyroidism
A condition where the thyroid gland produces excess amount of thyroid hormone such as thyroxine and trio die thyroid, nine leading to an accelerated metabolism in the body
What is Graves’ disease?
And enlargement of the thyroid caused by an immune system reaction
What are the symptoms for hyperthyroidism?
Extreme weight loss, rapid heart feet greater nervousness, wedding anxiety, etc
Traditional treatments for hyperthyroidism
1-herbal remedies-Use of ashwagandha and lemon balm help regulate thyroid function and reduce stress.
User-friendliness -easy to consume and are often seen as more natural and holistic approach
which are preferred by individuals looking for gentler intervention.
2-dietary adjustment-avoiding excess iodine rich food as iodine can worsen hyperthyroidism, and incorporate neutral dense food that support thyroid health such as foods rich in selenium and zinc?.
User-friendliness -changes and died are simple to incorporate into daily life and they do not involve medical interventions or side-effects from drugs
Risk-inadequate nutrition could result from overly restrictive diet.
Modern treatment for hyperthyroidism
Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI)
• User-friendliness:
• Administered via a single oral dose of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland and gradually destroys overactive tissue.
• No injections or daily medications required once the treatment is completed.
• Risks:
• Safety Concerns: Requires isolation for a period after treatment due to radioactivity, and it’s not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Thyroidectomy (Surgical Removal of the Thyroid Gland)
• User-friendliness:
• This is a one-time surgical procedure, typically performed under general anesthesia.
• Requires hospitalization and recovery time.
• Risks:
• Common: Infection, bleeding, and scarring.
Antithyroid Medications (e.g., Methimazole, Propylthiouracil)
• User-friendliness:
• These medications are taken orally, usually once a day (Methimazole) or multiple times a day (Propylthiouracil).
• Easy to administer but require regular blood tests to monitor thyroid function.
• Risks:
• Common: Rash, nausea, liver issues, and joint pain.
What is hypothyroidism?
A condition where the third gland produces too little of the thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormone
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Slow body metabolism, fat weight gain cold tolerance, slower heart rate dry skin depression memory issue, brain fog, etc
What is a goiter
A thyroxine molecule contains iodide atoms. Therefore deficiency of iodide and diet can prevent the thyroid gland from producing enough hormones. The thyroid gland may then become enlarged in effort to increase hormone production leading to goiter
Traditional method to treat hypothyroidism
1.herbal medicine - such as ashwaganda and bladderwrack support t4 hormone production and treat iodide deficiency related hypothyroidism
Userfriendliness -it is available in capsules, powders and teeth making it easier to incorporate into daily routines
Risk-They may interact with medication leading to excess thyroid hormones which could cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as anxiety, palpitations or insomnia
2- acupuncture and traditional Chinese method- some believe acupuncture helps balance energy flow and support thyroid function.
User-friendliness -It is a non-invasive therapy that may improve Overall well-being. sessions are typically painless and can be combined with other treatments.
Risk -there is no side-effect evidence proving acupuncture directly treat hyperthyroidism additionally improperly performed acupuncture and lead to infection or nerve damage.
Modern treatment for hypothyroidism
- Levothyroxine (Synthetic T4 Hormone)
• User-friendliness: Taken as a once-daily pill, it is the standard treatment and effectively restores thyroid hormone levels.
• Risks: Over- or under-dosing can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; interactions with certain foods and medications.
• Ethical Concerns: Ensuring correct dosing and accessibility for all patients, especially in low-income regions.- Liothyronine (Synthetic T3 Hormone)
• User-friendliness: Available as a daily pill but requires multiple doses due to its short half-life.
• Risks: Higher risk of heart-related side effects; not always recommended for long-term use.
• Ethical Concerns: Limited availability and controversy over whether it should be used routinely over Levothyroxine. - Combination Therapy (T4 + T3, e.g., Armour Thyroid)
• User-friendliness: Some patients report feeling better on combined therapy, though evidence is mixed.
• Risks: Inconsistent hormone levels; may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with heart conditions.
• Ethical Concerns: Lack of consensus on its effectiveness, leading to potential misinformation and overuse.
- Liothyronine (Synthetic T3 Hormone)
Ethical concern for the modern treatment of type 2 diabetes
- Bariatric Surgery (for obesity-related type 2 diabetes)
• Ethical Concerns:
• Eligibility and Access: Bariatric surgery is typically considered for individuals with severe obesity. However, its access may be limited based on socioeconomic factors, insurance coverage, or healthcare system constraints, raising concerns about equal access to treatment.
• Informed Consent and Psychological Impact: The surgery involves significant lifestyle changes, and there can be psychological consequences post-surgery, such as depression or body image issues. Ethical concerns arise regarding whether patients are fully informed and psychologically prepared for these changes.
• Long-term Sustainability: The long-term effectiveness of bariatric surgery for diabetes reversal is not guaranteed, and patients may revert to previous unhealthy behaviors. This raises ethical questions about the responsibility of healthcare providers to ensure ongoing support and education for maintaining healthy habits. - Combination Therapies (Oral Medications + Insulin or Injectables)
• Ethical Concerns:
• Overmedication and Dependency: Using a combination of oral medications and injectables can increase the risk of polypharmacy, especially in older individuals. This raises concerns about over-reliance on medications without addressing the root cause of diabetes through lifestyle changes, potentially leading to dependency on drugs.
• Side Effects and Patient Safety: Some combination therapies can have serious side effects (e.g., weight gain, hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal issues). Ethical concerns arise if the treatment is not tailored appropriately to individual patient needs, or if patients are not adequately informed of potential risks.
• Cost and Accessibility: Combination therapies can be expensive, and not all patients may have access to them, potentially leading to health disparities. The ethical issue lies in ensuring that people of all economic backgrounds can receive the appropriate combination treatments based on medical need, not just financial ability. - Oral Medications (Metformin)
• Ethical Concerns:
• Patient Autonomy: Metformin is widely prescribed and generally considered safe, but there may be concerns about whether patients are provided enough information about alternative treatments, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
• Risks vs. Benefits: Metformin can cause gastrointestinal issues, and in rare cases, lactic acidosis, particularly in individuals with preexisting kidney problems. The ethical concern lies in the appropriate assessment of each patient’s risk and whether they are fully informed about the potential for serious complications, especially when considering the long-term use of the drug.
• Equity in Access: While Metformin is a commonly available medication, some patients may have difficulty accessing it due to cost or availability issues, raising concerns about equity in healthcare access.
