Depending on if a person has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, their treatment plan will vary. Type 1 requires medical intervention while type 2 may be treated more naturally. Of course, all treatment plans require the approval and supervision of a licensed medical professional.
Treatment Options
Take Insulin Regularly
For anyone diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a regular intake of insulin is necessary to make up for the body’s complete lack of this hormone. This intake can occur multiple times a day, including at meals or through the use of an insulin pump. A pump gives small doses of insulin throughout the day.
Weight Loss
As for type 2 diabetes, there are more ways to manage treatment. Losing weight is a popular option as it has the potential to lower a person’s blood sugar levels. Patients can achieve this goal through a combination of healthy eating and activity.
Eating Healthy
Experts recommend substituting out carbohydrates and saturated fats in favor of vegetables, fruit, and food with more fiber. It can help to have a registered dietician create a meal plan around diabetes, too.
Physical Activity
Engaging in physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels. Experts recommend that a person does 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity a day or 15 to 30 minutes if vigorous.
Prescribed Medication
Metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet) is a common medication prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Other medications used for diabetes includes sulfonylureas, like chlorpropamide, which is not available in the United States, and meglitinides, like nateglinide (Starlix), althought meglitinides are not typically recommended second line for treatment.
FAQ
Can diabetes be cured completely?
While there is currently no cure for diabetes, people with type 2 can go into remission. To be in diabetes remission means that a person’s blood sugar is at a healthy level without medicine.
What happens if diabetes is left untreated?
If untreated, diabetes can lead to health conditions like:
- heart disease,
- stroke,
- kidney disease,
- eye problems,
- dental disease,
- nerve damage,
- foot problems,
- sleep apnea,
- hearing problems, and
- Alzheimer’s disease.
How can you reduce the symptoms of diabetes?
Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce symptoms of diabetes. For starters, patients should discuss with their healthcare providers plans about making physical activity a priority, monitoring food intake and removing excess sugar and carbohydrates, and stopping smoking. Prescribed medications can also reduce symptoms of this condition.
Some studies have found Moringa oleifera to have a positive overall effect on blood glucose reduction but this requires more research and as with most herbal supplements, Moringa is not regulated by the FDA.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
