Precision Medicine: A New Approach to Diabetes Dr. Ashok Balasubramanyam, a distinguished endocrinologist from Baylor College of Medicine, presents on precision medicine in diabetes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding diabetes beyond traditional classifications like type 1 and type 2 to improve treatment outcomes.
From Insulin Discovery to Complexities in Diabetes Management The history of insulin discovery is highlighted with Frederick Banting's pivotal role over a century ago. Initially, it was believed that administering insulin would suffice for managing diabetes until more complex understandings emerged regarding insulin sensitivity and secretion.
Classifying Diabetes: The Dichotomy Dilemma Harold Hemsworth’s seminal paper introduced the concept of testing for insulin sensitivity versus secretion leading to two distinct types—insulin-sensitive (type one) and resistant (type two). This classification has persisted despite its limitations in addressing patient heterogeneity within these categories.
Limitations of Current Classifications Current definitions by organizations like ADA still rely heavily on outdated classifications which fail to capture the complexity seen clinically among patients who do not fit neatly into either category. There is an urgent need for etiological-based classifications that can guide targeted treatments effectively.