According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million American children and adults -- 7.8 percent of the population -- have diabetes and another 57 million people have pre-diabetes. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. The American Diabetes Association has recommended treatment protocols for patients with diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes
According to the American Diabetes Association, 30 to 45 minutes of moderate intensity exercise is recommended for most adults with diabetes. Moderate intensity exercise includes walking briskly, dancing, bicycling, swimming or tennis. Strength training with weights and stretching are also part of their fitness recommendations. Dietary recommendations include a large portion of non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, and cucumbers, a small portion of starchy foods such as rice or potatoes and a small portion of meat or meat substitute. Other lifestyle changes include smoking cessation and limited alcohol intake.
Monitoring Blood Glucose
Daily monitoring of blood glucose guides appropriate medication decisions. Those who are on insulin or other diabetic medications need to track heir blood sugars to avoid severe low blood sugar. Low blood sugar can result in loss of consciousness and coma. The American Diabetes Association recommends using a glucose monitor, which requires a finger stick to obtain blood. This is the most accurate way to measure blood glucose. A healthcare provider should check a Hemoglobin A1C level every three months. This blood test will give a picture of the average blood glucose levels for the last two to three months. Medication adjustments can be based on the A1C and a log of daily glucose levels.
Treating Hypertension
High blood pressure is found in 20 to 60 percent of diabetics. Hypertension in combination with diabetes leads to kidney failure, heart disease and nerve damage. The American Diabetes Association strongly urges healthcare providers to assist their patients in achieving blood pressure control. Multiple studies have shown the benefit of placing diabetic patients on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors for blood pressure control. ACE inhibitors also decrease the incidence of diabetic nephropathy or kidney disease and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, according to an article published in "Diabetes Care" in 2007.
