Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the levels of glucose in the blood become too high as a result of problems with insulin, which is a pancreatic hormone. In type I diabetes, the pancreas is damaged and is unable to produce insulin. With type II diabetes, the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or the body is desensitized to the effects of insulin. Therapy options are somewhat different for the two varieties.
Lifestyle Changes
The National Diabetes Education Program explains that lifestyle changes are one therapeutic approach to treating both type I and type II diabetes. Patients should work with a dietician to develop a meal plan that emphasizes fruits and vegetables and low-fat proteins, while avoiding foods with high fat and sugar levels. High fiber foods can also be helpful for diabetics. In addition, patients with diabetes should perform 30 to 60 minutes of activity most days of the week. Exercise combined with a meal plan will help patients lose excess weight, which can help lower blood sugar levels. These lifestyle changes are critical for helping diabetics achieve and maintain their target blood glucose levels.
Insulin
Insulin treatment essential for patients with type I diabetes because they produce almost no insulin on their own, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders explains. Insulin also can be used to treat patients with type II diabetes. Because Insulin cannot be taken orally, it often is injected using a needle and a syringe. Insulin also can be administered using a pump, which allows for the continuous infusion of insulin in the patient's body. This helps prevent sudden spikes and drops in the patient's blood sugar. In addition, an insulin jet injector uses pressurized air to push a fine mist of insulin through the skin.
Oral Medications
Several different oral medications can be prescribed to help patients manage their diabetes, the Mayo Clinic explains. Commonly used medications include metformin and the sulfonylurea class of medications. Oral medications can generally be used only to treat type II diabetes. These drugs work by either sensitizing the body to the effects of insulin or by causing the pancreas to increase its insulin output. They have the advantage of being able to control blood sugar levels without any injections and are less likely to cause rapid changes in the patient's blood sugar.
