The body converts consumed food into glucose. A hormone called insulin moves glucose, which is also called blood sugar, from the bloodstream into the cells. Diabetes is a condition in which the blood levels of glucose are high. It may be due to a deficiency or absence of insulin, as well as improper use of insulin by the body. Treatment for diabetes focuses on maintaining normal blood sugar levels. It also depends on the type of diabetes an individual has and involves lifestyle changes along with medication.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes included in diabetes treatment are associated with diet and exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is an important part of the treatment of all types of diabetes. The Mayo Clinic reports that eating foods that are high in nutrition and low in calories and fats are needed in the meal plan of a diabetic patient. A registered dietitian can help diabetics create a meal plan based on their health plan, lifestyle and culture. Exercise helps individuals burn calories, move glucose into the cells and increase the body's sensitivity to insulin. It can help diabetics keep their blood glucose level down, in addition to other things like taking medication. Diabetics should talk to a doctor before adding exercise to their daily routine.
Insulin
Diabetics typically have problems with insulin availability and may have to take insulin via injections. People who suffer from Type 1 diabetes--a condition where the body does not make insulin--must take insulin. People with Type 2 diabetes--a type of diabetes where the body either produces too little insulin or does not respond to the insulin being produced--may also need to take insulin. Various methods of taking insulin have been developed, including an insulin pen, a syringe and needle and an insulin pump, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The types of insulin differ based on the amount of time it takes for them to work. They range from rapid-acting insulin to long-acting insulin.
Medications
Other medications are also used in the treatment of diabetes. Some medications taken in pill form are metformin, glyburide and acarbose. They work to control blood sugar levels in different ways. Glyburide stimulates the body to release insulin. Metformin helps control blood sugar by helping the body respond to the insulin produced by the body, decreasing the quantity of glucose the liver makes and by reducing the amount of glucose absorption in the digestive system. Acarbose slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and therefore prevents an increase in blood sugar levels.
