Insulinabhängigkeit

Insulinabhängigkeit refers to the state of requiring exogenous insulin to manage blood glucose levels. This condition is primarily associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus, an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without these cells, the body cannot produce enough insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy.

Individuals with type 1 diabetes are therefore completely dependent on insulin injections or an insulin pump to survive. Insulin therapy is crucial for preventing dangerously high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which can lead to serious short-term complications like diabetic ketoacidosis and long-term damage to various organs, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.

While type 1 diabetes is the most common cause of absolute insulin dependency, some individuals with type 2 diabetes can also become insulin-dependent over time. This often occurs when the pancreas's ability to produce insulin significantly declines or when oral medications are no longer sufficient to control blood glucose effectively. In these cases, insulin therapy is added to the treatment regimen to achieve better glycemic control and prevent complications.

The management of insulinabhängigkeit involves careful monitoring of blood glucose, precise insulin dosing, and lifestyle adjustments such as diet and exercise. It is a lifelong condition requiring continuous medical attention and adherence to treatment.