The basic objective of diabetes treatment is to keep the blood sugar (glucose) levels under control. Diabetes is a life-long condition and there is no guaranteed cure for it but there are certain ways to keep manage it by keeping blood sugar at safe levels. You should work with your endocrinologist to devise an effective diabetes treatment plan which includes both lifestyle changes as well as medical interventions depending upon the extent of disease.

Here are diabetes treatment options for type 1 and 2 diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise and diet control
Type 2 Diabetes is treated with weight reduction, exercise and diet control. Patients are advised to begin with exercise and diet first. When these fail to give expected results, oral medications are prescribed for Type 2 diabetics and insulin therapy for Type 1 diabetic patients.

Diet is the key to Diabetes Treatment

A diabetic diet is a well-balanced nutritious diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat, cholesterol and simple sugars. The total daily calories should be divided across all the three meals. You can enjoy the regular foods but in moderation. There is absolutely no need to abstain from eating to your heart's desire but you need to work out a healthy diet plan.

Ideally, your diet should consist of 50% carbohydrates, 20% proteins and less than 30% fats; these should come from a variety of vegetables, dairy, fruits and whole grains. Eat regularly at set times without skipping or delaying your meals which may have drastic effects on blood glucose levels. Avoid any kind of overindulgence.

Regular Exercise to keep Diabetes under Control

30 minutes of moderate exercise per day is the ideal solution. Exercise improves body's ability to control blood glucose levels as well as sensitivity to insulin. Best benefits are accrued when you exercise over a prolonged period of time. Exercise is also good to avoid complications related to diabetes like heart risks. However, monitor your glucose levels when you exercise because it may bring a sudden change to blood sugar levels which may lead to concern. Also, check with your doctor if there is a need to adjust your medicines or insulin dosage.

Oral medications act in different ways

Not all diabetics need insulin injections; some can do with oral medications that can regulate blood glucose levels. Here are the 4 types of medications:

Stimulate pancreas to release more insulin
Increase body's cells response to the insulin
Decrease the absorption of glucose in the body
Decrease the amount of glucose produced by the liver

All oral medications should be taken under the strict supervision of an experienced endocrinologist.

Insulin is the most potent Diabetes Treatment Option

For type 1 diabetes patients, insulin is a daily requirement. Type 2 diabetic patients are put on insulin when even medications are unable to manage their blood sugar levels. Insulin pumps, pen and syringe are various ways to inject insulin into the body. Generally, insulin dose has an effect for 4-6 hours and it should be tailored as per the individual need of the person.

Also, read about - Symptoms and Treatment of Diabetes in Hindi at Diabetes ke Lakshan aur Upay article.

Apart from the above-discussed methods, it is important for diabetic patients to go for regular physical examinations to keep a tab on the blood glucose levels and on any of the other complications like vision or kidney problems. One should also bring about behavioral changes like restrain from smoking and drinking alcohol as both things increase the risk of diabetic patients.

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This write-up was contributed by Credihealth content team:

Credihealth is a medical assistance company that gives guidance to a patient from the first consultation through the entire hospitalization process. A team of in-house Credihealth doctors helps the patient find the right doctor, book appointment, request cost estimate for procedures and manage admission & discharge processes.

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