From pumps to prevention: recent advances in the treatment of type 1 diabetes

Treatment options for pediatric patients living with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have drastically changed over the past 30 years. Technological advances including the development of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) have allowed for improved insulin delivery and a better understanding of blood glucose fluctuations. Manipulations of CSII and CGM will allow for the development of an artificial pancreas; initial studies of this technology will be reviewed. New medications for the treatment of T1DM have been developed, such as rapid-acting insulins. Another area of exploration is the autoimmune process that causes β-cell destruction. Immunomodulators used for T1DM prevention and secondary intervention will be reviewed.