Diabetes is a medical condition in which insulin production or use is impaired. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body does not allow for effective production and utilization of insulin. With type 2 diabetes, insulin production occurs in the body naturally. However, it is at a decreased level, and the body's cells are resistant to insulin. Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to several medical conditions, including kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. Several effective treatment options are available for individuals with diagnosed diabetes.
Exercise
One of the first options for the treatment of diagnosed diabetes is regular exercise participation. Exercise is an integral piece of a total lifestyle modification for individuals with diagnosed diabetes. In the February 2006 issue of “Current Opinion in Lipidology,” researcher Jason Gill, who is affiliated with the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom, examines a variety of research data related to physical activity participation and insulin resistance that occurs in type 2 diabetes. Gill’s findings indicate that moderate levels of physical activity reduce insulin resistance in diabetes. This improves a type 2 diabetic’s ability to produce and utilize insulin more efficiently.
Nutrition Therapy
Nutrition therapy is one of the most universally accepted forms of treatment for diabetes. In the “Diabetes, Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease News,” the American Diabetes Association recommends dietary practices that involve specific mircronutrients supplements for deficiencies related to diagnosed diabetes. They also recommend limited alcohol consumption, 15 to 20 percent protein intake, 14g of dietary fiber intake per day and less than 7 percent of total calories from saturated fats.
Education
Educational interventions are another option for treating individuals with diagnosed diabetes. In the June 2006 journal of “Diabetic Medicine,” researchers investigated the impact of a structured patient education program for individuals with diagnosed diabetes. Patients were in the structured program for 14 months. After participating in the program for 14 months, results indicated that patients increased their knowledge of diabetes and felt more capable of their self-management skills for diabetes.
Anti-Diabetic Drugs
Anti-diabetic drugs have been shown to be effective in treating diabetes as well. In the January 2007 issue of "Metabolism," researchers investigated the effectiveness of oral drug therapies for treating diabetes in African-Americans. Results of the study indicated that oral drug therapies such as rosiglitazone are effective in decreasing insulin resistance and increasing overall insulin metabolism.
References
- "Current Opinion in Lipidology"; Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Insulin Resistance: A Short Update; J. Gill; February 2007
- American Diabetes Association: ADA Urges Medical Nutrition Therapy for Multilevel Diabetes Interventions
- Diabetic Medicine: Structured Patient Education: the Diabetes X-PERT Programme Makes a Difference
- "Metabolism"; Thiazolidinediones Increase Hepatic Insulin Extraction in African Americans with Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. A Pilot Study of Rosiglitazone; K. Osei et. al.; January 2007.
