Modern management of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Currently available treatment methods, albeit improved, remain less than totally satisfactory. New developments such as improved viability of whole organ pancreatic transplants, islet cell transplantation, immunosuppression in the treatment of new-onset diabetes, development of reliable glucose sensors to provide continuous feedback for insulin delivery devices, and alternate routes for insulin administration may drastically change diabetes treatment in the future. For now, physicians must carefully consider the risks and benefits associated with available treatments when discussing therapeutic options with patients and their families. The wide range of therapies available provides the opportunity for patient and physician to select the most appropriate treatment regimen.