Spring Break
The Daily OrangeInsulin pills could alter diabetics' lives
By Ronna M. Weyland
Posted: 11/12/07, 12:05 AM EST Section: News
"The pump can be complicated and expensive, but it works well for most people," Doyle said.
Sophomore Ashley Jerzak was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was five years old. She started using the insulin pump at the age 11.
"At first, I didn't want to use the pump," the marketing major said. "But, my doctor told me to just try it temporarily."
Jerzak said after using the pump, she can't imagine using any other method. "I get a set dosage every hour," she said. "It delivers long-term insulin better for me."
She said she used to carry around a bag with insulin bottles and syringes, and then try and find a place to inject the insulin without getting a lot of strange looks.
Jerzak said she most likely wouldn't use the new oral method if it eventually hits the market.
"I don't think it would be beneficial for me personally, but I think it would be good for people who take injections," she said. "It's definitely a step forward for diabetics."
The pump's convenience and small size is a big selling point for insulin users.
Senior Tina Lee Edrehi, also a diabetic, said the pump works well for her hectic schedule and gives her more control.
"I don't need to have a set schedule with the insulin pump," said the acting major, who is currently studying in New York City. "When I eat, I can manually adjust my insulin dosage."
She said any method that doesn't require injections is worth trying.
"I would rather swallow a pill than stick myself with needles," Edrehi said. "I'm open to trying any new means of treatment as long as it works."
Doyle's treatment would make a better long-term treatment than many other methods available, he said. It would be "something that can give diabetics a more tailored basal therapy," he said.
Normal insulin levels come from the pancreas as it secretes the insulin. Basal therapy uses the benefits of long-acting insulin within the body to maintain a stable insulin level in between doses.
A basal-bolus regimen helps control glucose levels and is especially effective in Type 2 diabetes to maintain and achieve blood sugar control. Bolus insulin is usually given before a main meal. This type is needed in order to deal with the rise in sugar levels after eating, Doyle said.
"This new treatment would give the body a low-level basal insulin that the body needs to keep the body's organs functioning," he said.
However, Doyle said this method wouldn't be ideal for all diabetics.
"The pill takes two hours to work," he said. "If someone goes into insulin shock and needs treatment right away, this method won't work."
Sophomore Ashley Jerzak was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was five years old. She started using the insulin pump at the age 11.
"At first, I didn't want to use the pump," the marketing major said. "But, my doctor told me to just try it temporarily."
Jerzak said after using the pump, she can't imagine using any other method. "I get a set dosage every hour," she said. "It delivers long-term insulin better for me."
She said she used to carry around a bag with insulin bottles and syringes, and then try and find a place to inject the insulin without getting a lot of strange looks.
Jerzak said she most likely wouldn't use the new oral method if it eventually hits the market.
"I don't think it would be beneficial for me personally, but I think it would be good for people who take injections," she said. "It's definitely a step forward for diabetics."
The pump's convenience and small size is a big selling point for insulin users.
Senior Tina Lee Edrehi, also a diabetic, said the pump works well for her hectic schedule and gives her more control.
"I don't need to have a set schedule with the insulin pump," said the acting major, who is currently studying in New York City. "When I eat, I can manually adjust my insulin dosage."
She said any method that doesn't require injections is worth trying.
"I would rather swallow a pill than stick myself with needles," Edrehi said. "I'm open to trying any new means of treatment as long as it works."
Doyle's treatment would make a better long-term treatment than many other methods available, he said. It would be "something that can give diabetics a more tailored basal therapy," he said.
Normal insulin levels come from the pancreas as it secretes the insulin. Basal therapy uses the benefits of long-acting insulin within the body to maintain a stable insulin level in between doses.
A basal-bolus regimen helps control glucose levels and is especially effective in Type 2 diabetes to maintain and achieve blood sugar control. Bolus insulin is usually given before a main meal. This type is needed in order to deal with the rise in sugar levels after eating, Doyle said.
"This new treatment would give the body a low-level basal insulin that the body needs to keep the body's organs functioning," he said.
However, Doyle said this method wouldn't be ideal for all diabetics.
"The pill takes two hours to work," he said. "If someone goes into insulin shock and needs treatment right away, this method won't work."
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