Several changes related to the treatment of diabetes have occurred over the last few decades. New medications and technology along with a better understanding of how diabetes affects the entire body have resulted in more effective handling of a disease that affected 23.6 million Americans in 2007, according to the American Diabetic Association.
Medications
At one time, the only medicine available for diabetics was injectable insulin, used in type 1 diabetics who no longer produced insulin. Without insulin, cells can't take in glucose, which they need for energy. Today, insulin is still the mainstay of treatment for type 1 diabetes, but many medications for type 2 diabetics, who still produce insulin but don't utilize it properly, are also available.
Byetta, a synthetic version of a hormone found in the saliva of a Gila monster lizard, lowers glucose levels by increasing natural insulin production in type 2 diabetics. Byetta, injected with meals, can lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetics who haven't stabilized blood glucose levels while taking oral medications such as metformin, the American Diabetes Association states. Symlin, another injectable medication, works with insulin to lower high blood glucose levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetics.
Hemoglobin A1c
Since most diabetics test their blood glucose levels only a few times a day, they may not have an accurate picture of how their glucose levels are overall. Hemoglobin A1c measures the amount of glycolated hemoglobin, a substance that forms when glucose attaches to hemoglobin in the blood. A1c is reported as a percentage, with levels of 6 percent or less considered normal and levels above 6.5 diagnostic for diabetes, MedlinePlus reports. Testing A1c levels every three to six months gives a more accurate picture of how well a diabetic is controlling his blood sugars.
Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring
At one time, routine blood testing could not be done at home. Today, diabetics can not only monitor glucose at home, but they can continuously do so using a monitoring device connected to a small needle inserted under the skin. Continuous glucose monitoring systems can be inserted and left in place for several days to a week.
Individuals can set the monitors to go off when levels go too high or too low. One drawback to continuous monitoring is that the results may not be as accurate as those obtained by standard glucose monitors, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney disorders states.
Continuous Insulin Pumps
Rather than injecting insulin before meals, diabetics today can wear an insulin pump, which delivers a continuous dose of insulin, plus boluses at certain times. A small needle under the skin delivers the dose, eliminating frequent needle sticks. A continuous insulin dose keeps blood sugars under better control, while boluses administer extra insulin before meals. Different doses can be programmed in for day and nighttime, the American Diabetes Association explains.
