Diabetes is a disease in which there are problems with insulin-- a pancreatic hormone that removes glucose from the blood and sends it to cells in the body. A lack of insulin, inadequate production of insulin or improper use of insulin by the body can lead to diabetes. In diabetes, glucose levels in the blood are abnormally high and can lead to several health complications. Keeping blood glucose levels close to normal is important in order to reduce the risk of these complications.
Diet
After eating a meal, it is digested and converted to glucose. In a diabetic, that glucose stays in the bloodstream, so dietary changes are important in diabetes control because whatever a person eats affects the blood glucose levels. MayoClinic.com describes a healthy diabetes diet as one that's rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nutrients, and low in fats and calories. Dietitians can help diabetics formulate diet plans based on their lifestyle, tastes and health goals.
Controlling diabetes through diet involves having regular mealtimes and eating healthy foods in the right amounts. When diabetics follow their diet plan, they consume the same amount of calories and carbohydrates every day, and this helps keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Insulin Administration
People who suffer from type 1 diabetes produce little to no insulin. Due to this, they must inject insulin into their bodies in order to control their blood sugar levels. Some type 2 diabetics may also need insulin injections. There are several types of insulins that differ based on how fast they act: some act within minutes of administration, while others begin to work a few hours after they are injected. A physician determines the type and dose of insulin that is best for a diabetic patient.
Insulin is administered through several methods, including syringes and needles, insulin pens and insulin pumps. Syringes and insulin pens are used to inject insulin into the body. An insulin pump is a small device that holds a reservoir of insulin that is automatically delivered to the body through a tube called a cannula inserted in the abdomen.
Oral Medication
Type 2 diabetics take certain oral medications to control their diabetes. "Living with Diabetes: Everything You Need to Know to Safeguard Your Health and Take Control of Your Life" says that biguanides, sulfonylureas, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides and thiazolidinediones are classes of drugs used to control diabetes.
Some of these medications act by inducing the pancreas to produce insulin, while others stimulate the body to use insulin more efficiently. Also, some of these drugs act during digestion to inhibit the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Diabetes
- "Endocrinology and Diabetes"; Amir Sam, Karim Meeran; 2009
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes Overview
- Mayo Clinic: Diabetes Diet: Create Your Healthy-eating Plan
- "Living with Diabetes: Everything You Need to Know to Safeguard Your Health and Take Control of Your Life"; Rosemarie Perrin; 2007
