Disease: Diabetes Treatment

    Diabetes treatment facts

    • Controlling blood sugar (glucose) levels is the major goal of diabetes treatment, in order to prevent complications of the disease.
    • Type 1 diabetes is managed with insulin as well as dietary changes and exercise.
    • Type 2 diabetes may be managed with non-insulin medications, insulin, weight reduction, or dietary changes.
    • The choice of medications for type 2 diabetes is individualized, taking into account:
      • the effectiveness and side effect profile of each medication,
      • the patient's underlying health status,
      • any medication compliance issues, and
      • cost to the patient or health-care system.
    • Medications for type 2 diabetes can work in different ways to reduce blood glucose levels. They may:
      • increase insulin sensitivity,
      • increase glucose excretion,
      • decrease absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract, or
      • work through other mechanisms.
    • Medications for type 2 diabetes are often used in combination.
    • Different methods of delivering insulin include:
      • syringes,
      • pre-filled pens, and
      • the insulin pump.
    • Proper nutrition is a part of any diabetes care plan. There is no one specific "diabetic diet" that is recommended for all individuals.
    • Pancreas transplantation is an area of active study for the treatment of diabetes.

    What is the treatment for diabetes?

    The major goal in treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes is to control blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range, with minimal excursions to low or high levels.

    Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is treated with:

    • insulin,
    • exercise, and a
    • diabetic diet.

    Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is treated:

    • First with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise
    • Oral medications are prescribed when these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars of type 2 diabetes.
    • If oral medications become ineffective treatment with insulin is initiated.
    Diabetic Diet

    Adherence to a diabetic diet is a critical aspect of controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has provided guidelines for diabetic diets.

    Each ADA diet is:

    • balanced,
    • nutritious, and
    • low in fat, cholesterol, and simple sugars.

    The total daily calories are evenly divided into three meals (with snacks for youth with type 1 diabetes). Over the past two years the ADA has lifted the absolute ban on simple sugars for people with diabetes. Small amounts of simple sugars are now allowed when consumed with a complex meal.

    Weight reduction and exercise

    Weight reduction and exercise are important treatments for type 2 diabetes. Weight reduction and exercise increase the body's sensitivity to insulin, thus helping to control blood sugar elevations.

    Source: http://www.rxlist.com

    The major goal in treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes is to control blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range, with minimal excursions to low or high levels.

    Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is treated with:

    • insulin,
    • exercise, and a
    • diabetic diet.

    Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is treated:

    • First with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise
    • Oral medications are prescribed when these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars of type 2 diabetes.
    • If oral medications become ineffective treatment with insulin is initiated.

    Source: http://www.rxlist.com

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