Q: I am suffering from Insulin dependant diabetes for about 5 years and going through the pain of injecting insulin 3 times a day. Kindly inform me about the progress made in curing type 1 diabetes permanently and also whether insulin pumps can be fitted in India itself.

A:Unfortunately, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Though there have been great strides in improving diabetes control (better insulin, better insulin regimes, home blood glucose monitoring, better ways to monitor and treat complications) insulin still has to be given subcutaneously. Insulin spray (inhaled through the lungs) is in clinical trials at this moment and shows promise. Insulin pumps are now available in India (Minimed company). These involve infusion of insulin through a tube placed in the abdomen attached to a pump worn around the abdomen. The tubes need to be changed every few days. Though the pumps have an advantage of convenience they achieve a glucose control which is not superior to multiple injections. They can only be used safely if you are ready to do multiple blood glucose testing at home and adjust doses of insulin accordingly. They are far more expensive than using an insulin pen device.