Treatment for diabetes usually involves the patient working with the doctor to monitor the condition and make lifestyle changes that are necessary. A patient diagnosed with diabetes generally has a lot to learn about the condition, but acquires the knowledge to manage it with medical help. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. In this form, the body is unable to use insulin effectively for the body's energy. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin daily because the body has little or none of it.
Lifestyle Changes
Treatment for diabetics largely consists of patients learning new lifestyles and working with doctors or health professionals, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Diabetics need to focus on healthy diets that are high in nutrition and low in fat and calories. They can develop treatment plans with doctors or dietitians that include foods they should eat and those they need to avoid. There will usually be less emphasis on meats and sweets. Diabetics do not necessarily have to eliminate sweets. But the consumption of sugar needs to adhere to the guidelines under the treatment plan. Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar levels for diabetics, who are prone to rising levels. Physical activity helps the body to work with insulin to move sugar into the body's cells for energy.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
Diabetics learn to monitor their blood sugar levels with a glucose meter. They will do this once or several times a day, depending on their condition, the Mayo Clinic says. It is important to keep their levels in their target range, which is discussed with their doctor. Blood sugar levels can change with diet, physical activity and medication. So diabetics have to learn how to control their levels with their activities.
Medication
All diabetics with type 1 diabetes need insulin therapy. But some type 2 diabetics also need to take insulin, which they learn to inject on a regular basis. Other medications may be used. Some medications help the pancreas produce and release more insulin, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are drugs to inhibit glucose, or blood sugar, production from the liver. Medication can be used to break down stomach enzymes to make the body more sensitive to insulin. Diabetes may increase the risk of heart disease. So medication can be prescribed to keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. Low-dose aspirin therapy can help prevent heart disease.
Transplant Option
Some type 1 diabetics have the option of a pancreas transplant. Although the operation poses serious risks, a successful pancreas transplant would mean the person no longer has to take insulin. Transplants are usually reserved for diabetics in serious condition who have difficulty controlling their diabetes.
Special Care
Diabetics need to take extra care of their teeth because diabetes makes them prone to gum disease. They also have to pay special attention to cleansing their feet daily, because of slow-healing sores, blisters or other problems that occur more often on the feet with diabetes. People with diabetes need to quit smoking and avoid alcohol as much as possible to avoid diabetic complications. Keeping stress under control is necessary, as stress can interfere with insulin working properly.
