About Diabetes Treatment

There are different types of diabetes i.e. type 1 (body fails to produce insulin), type 2 (insulin resistance), gestational diabetes (in pregnant women) and pre-diabetes (high blood glucose levels). Type 1 diabetes is normally treated by insulin injections (up to 4 injections daily), as well as diet and regular exercise. Type 2 diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, weight loss and increased physical activity, tablets and/or insulin may also be required to achieve normal blood glucose levels.

The main aim of both treatments is to achieve blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels as near to normal as possible. This, together with a healthy lifestyle, will help improve wellbeing and protect against long terms damage to the body. Because diabetes has so many complications, it is important that diabetic sufferers wear some sort of ID tag for diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes develops quickly and symptoms are normally very obvious. Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and symptoms are usually less severe. Many people are unaware that they have the disease. Diabetes has many different symptoms like weight loss, excessive hunger, thirst, frequent urination, dehydration, leg pain when walking, fatigue, dizziness and itching. The cause of diabetes is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors, like obesity and lack of exercise can play a part.

Self blood glucose monitoring can be done with glucose meters. A diabetic can thereby obtain immediate feedback on how well any diabetes treatment is working and make adjustments accordingly. Different types of glucose meters are available on the market.

As alternative treatments for diabetes, acupuncture and biofeedback (guided imagery) have been used. Herbal and natural treatments include chromium supplements, ginseng, magnesium and vanadium. Although positive results have been reported with the use of these supplements, long term effects, potential side effects and safe dosages cannot be confirmed.