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Monday, 20 July 2009 11:44 |
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There isn’t an outright cure for diabetes but it can be treated. The treatment consists of keeping blood glucose levels as close as possible to normal levels. This can be done in several ways. First, eat a diet low in fats and high in complex carbohydrate, with plenty of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seafood, small amounts of meat and meat products.
Exercise is also important. Physical activity increases the uptake of glucose from the blood by the cells and also helps with weight loss. For those with very mild diabetes, diet plus weight loss plus exercise may be enough to keep blood glucose within reasonable levels.
If these measures aren't enough, the next step is drugs to lower blood sugar. The most powerful is insulin, which is used to treat people with Type I diabetes (and cases of Type 2 diabetes when oral drugs aren't enough).
Insulin needs to be injected under the skin into the fat layer, usually in the wall of the abdomen or in the arm, or leg. People differ in how often they need to do this; most people need four injections a day. In some people insulin can be given as an insulin pump.
In Type 2 diabetes, drugs are usually given by mouth. There are several different types and they are usually used in conjunction with diet and exercise. The diet, recommended level of exercise, and the type and dosage of drug will be different for every person with diabetes. Changes in treatment may be needed during pregnancy, illness, or during and after surgery.
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Last Updated on Monday, 20 July 2009 11:45 |
Diabetes Management
