Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body’s glucose regulation. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report 2020, about 10.5 percent of the entire population has diabetes. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with Diabetes 1 or Diabetes 2, the ultimate aim of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar as close to the natural levels as possible.
In type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond well to insulin and makes lesser than it should be. Both cases can lead to chronically high blood sugar levels. Without proper treatment, there can be a risk of developing diabetes complications like hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis.
By focusing on making lifestyle changes and access to the right healthcare, diabetes is highly treatable. Here are 5 ways you can treat and manage diabetes.
- Insulin Therapy
Insulin plays an important role in treating diabetes. For a non-diabetic individual, Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the pancreas. It is responsible in regulating blood sugar levels and Facilitates the storage of excess glucose for energy.
People with type 1 diabetes require synthetic insulin since the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Taking insulin is vital in order to replace the insulin the body fails to produce. Synthetic insulin is not produced in pill form because the body’s digestive system would break it down before it had a chance to work. Insulin is given in many ways, your doctor can help you decide what method works best for you.
- Insulin Injections/Shots/Pens
Insulin is injected into the fat under your skin with the help of a syringe or pen-like device. Usually, people with type 1 diabetes are required to take an insulin shot three times a day; however the number of shots will largely depend on your blood sugar levels and eating habits.
- Insulin Pump
An insulin pump is a catheter or a thin tube that is inserted underneath the skin. It sends small, steady doses of insulin right into the tissue. The medication is the same as Insulin injections but does not require you to give yourself daily doses since the tube is placed semi-permanently in the body.
- Afrezza
A rapid-acting insulin that is inhaled at the beginning of each meal. It is not advisable to use this form of medication on people with lung problems such as asthma or chronic pulmonary disease.
To figure out what form of insulin would work best for you, consult Drnewmed’s diabetes specialists in Pennsylvania or Arizona.
2. Medication
When diets and exercise fail to control blood sugar levels, doctors will prescribe medications to treat type 2 diabetes. Medications work best when combined with proper meal planning and exercise. Diabetes medications can interact with other medicines. Hence it is important to let your doctor know about all the medicines you’re taking.
3. Regular Exercise
Inculcating an active lifestyle can increase metabolism and fight insulin resistance by burning glucose, removing it from the bloodstream and reducing insulin resistance. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with diabetes get the normally recommended amount of exercise: 150 minutes of exercise each week, including two days of strength workouts that incorporate major muscle groups.
One should start by introducing small changes, such as walking daily. For best results, you should work with your doctor to develop a healthy weight-loss plan that works best for you.
4. Balanced Diet
A diet for diabetes involves eating healthy meals in moderate amounts, three times a day, at regular times. A healthy diet that includes nutrient-rich foods, such as foods, vegetables, and whole grains will keep your blood sugar levels in control and manage your weight and control the risk of heart diseases. A diabetic diet will help your body make better use of the insulin it produces or gets through medication.
5. Other Treatments
Bariatric Surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, may help some people lose weight, thereby bringing their blood glucose levels in control. Sometimes people may no longer require medication for diabetes after the surgery. Another form of diabetic treatment includes the artificial pancreas. An ‘artificial pancreas’ is a single system that automatically provides insulin and monitors blood glucose levels. Although the amount of insulin needs to be manually adjusted, the artificial pancreas can free you from daily responsibilities to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Be sure to talk to your doctor to see what diabetes treatment will work best for you. By choosing a regime that suits your lifestyle and requirements, you can prevent complications and lead a healthy life. Consult our doctors online at DrNewMed or visit our diabetes care clinic in Arizona or Pennsylvania.
