Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Flexibility in contemporary management.

Management of insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes mellitus has vastly changed over the past decade. New tools and updated philosophies have permitted the development of an approach known as intensive therapy, which emphasizes patient self-direction under the guidance of a physician. Current insulin regimens have multiple components and consist of several daily injections or the use of an insulin pump. Diets are flexible and individually tailored to the patient's needs. Self-monitoring of blood glucose, an integral component of management, guides decision making in an attempt to achieve defined blood glucose values. With this approach, many patients who have been educated and motivated in diabetes management attain meticulous control.