Diabetes can damage almost every part of the body and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Controlling blood glucose levels and other risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, can lower the risk of complications, including blindness, kidney disease, stroke and heart attack. Healthy eating, physical activity and diabetes medicines, as needed, help to control blood glucose levels and minimize complications.
Diet
Diabetics are advised to follow the same healthy dietary guidelines as nondiabetics by eating a variety of high-nutrient, low-fat foods in modest amounts and at regular times. This diet includes healthy carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains; high-fiber foods including nuts, legumes and wheat bran; heart-healthy fish such as salmon; and good fats such as olive and peanut oil.
Insulin
Insulin is a natural hormone made by the body to help convert blood glucose into energy. In the presence of diabetes, the body either cannot make insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Different types of insulin are available to treat diabetes and are distinguished by their speed and duration of action. Insulin types include rapid-acting, regular and short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting.
Oral Medications
Oral medicines can be prescribed to help manage blood glucose levels in diabetics who cannot use insulin properly. Several classes of diabetes medications are available that can either be taken alone, with insulin or in combinations with each other. Classes include sulfonylureas and meglitinides, such as glipizide and repaglinide; biguanides, such as metformin; alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, such as acarbose; thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone; and DPP-4 inhibitors, such as saxagliptin.
