The treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are pretty much the same except for one difference. People with Type 1 diabetes will be on insulin replacement therapy from the time they're diagnosed with it. Those with Type 2 diabetes may not need it unless their condition escalates.
In this article, we'll look at a few common methods that are used to treat diabetes. While this is a dangerous disease when it's out of control, it can be managed well if you monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. The first two treatments we will discuss are insulin replacement therapy and exercise. Then, we will learn about diet, tablets, and education.
1
Having Insulin Replacement Therapy
Insulin replacement therapy is used for almost all Type 1 diabetes patients; however, it is used as a last resort for Type 2 diabetes patients. Basically, it involves injecting yourself with insulin. There are several ways to deliver insulin into your body. There are injections, insulin pumps, skin patches, nasal sprays, etc. It all depends on your preferences, and this is best discussed with your doctor.
The type of insulin that the doctor prescribes will depend on your condition. There are different types of insulin, depending on the time it takes for them to act. Some are rapid, some are long-acting, and there are others in between. Once again, your doctor will be the best person to advise you here.
2
Doing Exercises Regularly
Exercise is so good for you that you should be doing it daily even if you're not diabetic. But if you are, you absolutely need it to improve your strength and stamina. It'll help you shed the excess fats, too.
Because weight is often a determining factor in diabetes (Type 2), it's important to exercise. Simply going for a walk or parking farther back in the parking lot can make a difference. Not to mention, exercising helps you feel better overall, too.
3
Making Changes To Your Diet
This is by far one of the best ways to treat diabetes. The goal will be to minimize your sugar intake and reduce your consumption of processed foods that contain additives and high-fructose corn syrup. When you clean up your diet and consume foods that are natural, wholesome, and healthy, your blood sugar levels will stabilize, your inflammation will decrease, and it will be much easier to lose weight.
Type 2 diabetes is often the result of obesity. Losing weight is one of the best ways to prevent or manage diabetes. A clean diet will allow you to do just that if you're at a caloric deficit.
4
Taking Tablets And Medication
If your diabetes is escalating, your doctor will prescribe medication for you to take. You may also be prescribed medication to reduce obesity, treat high blood pressure, etc. All these are common problems that afflict people who have diabetes.
Metformin is a common drug that helps reduce insulin insensitivity. It is very helpful for obese people who need help controlling their blood sugar levels. Metformin will prevent the body from overproducing glucose, and it will inhibit the absorption of dietary glucose. Alternatively, if you can't handle metformin, your doctor may prescribe acarbose, which helps block the digestive enzymes in your body from breaking down the carbohydrates into glucose and spiking your blood sugar levels.
4
Learning As Much As You Can
While not a treatment per se, it's a fact that you don't know what you don't know. Your doctor will educate you on what diabetes is. They'll also teach you how your blood sugar levels and glucose metabolism affect your condition.
It's important that you do your own research and learn as much as you can about this disease. The more you know, the better you'll be able to manage it. You'll discover what works best for you.
These are just a few of the common treatments for diabetes. What's important is that you are proactive when it comes to treating this disease. If you're complacent about it, it'll escalate into uncontrolled diabetes, and severe complications may occur. It can even become deadly. So it's best to keep this disease under control.
In this article, we looked at a few common methods that are used to treat diabetes. While this is a dangerous disease when it's out of control, it can be managed well if you monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. The first two treatments we discussed are insulin replacement therapy and exercise. Then, we learned about diet, tablets, and education.
