Diabetes Treatment: Types, Lifestyle Changes and Medication
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Diabetes Treatment: Types, Lifestyle Changes and Medication
We know that diabetes is a chronic disease. It affects several people worldwide. As there is no permanent cure for diabetes, several treatment options are available on the market that can help patients with diabetes manage the symptoms and prevent complications. Are you trying to learn about diabetes treatment? Stay connected to this blog because we share valuable information about diabetes treatment, including types, lifestyle changes, medication, and more.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects many people across the world. It occurs when your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. Glucose is a crucial source of energy in the human body. When your body doesn't produce or use insulin properly, the body can lead to high blood sugar levels. A healthcare provider can suspect diabetes if your blood sugar level is two hundred mg/dL or higher.
On the other hand, diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs if your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Try a search online to learn what diabetes is.
Types of Diabetes
There are two important types of diabetes, including type 1 and type 2. Type 1 disease is the first stage of diabetes that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce or use insulin properly. On the other hand, type 2 disease is a metabolic disorder that occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce or use enough insulin.
Diabetes Treatment
Here are the diabetes treatment options.
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Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes is one of the most important factors of diabetes. This involves lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy meal, exercising daily, and maintaining a healthy weight. To make an impactful lifestyle change, consider eating a healthy diet that is rich in fiber, low in fat, and low in sugar. Regularly eating a healthy diet can help your body regulate blood sugar levels and prevent potential complications such as foot damage, eye damage, kidney failure, and more. Also, consider exercising regularly to help your body maintain diabetes because it can assist you in lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Medication
Apart from lifestyle changes, medication also helps you manage diabetes. Healthcare professionals recommend several types of medication; the most common types are here.
Insulin
Insulin is the most necessary medication for managing diabetes. It is a hormone that typically regulates blood sugar levels. Healthcare professionals inject insulin into the patient’s body using an insulin pen or a syringe.
Oral Medication
Diabetes medication includes oral medication. Several types of oral medication for managing diabetes are available on the market. These types of oral medication work by either improving insulin sensitivity or increasing the production of insulin.
Combination Therapy
Patients with type 2 diabetes take combination therapy in some cases. Insulin and oral medication are combined in this therapy, which may be necessary to manage diabetes.
Other Medications
Apart from oral and insulin medication, several other medications are available for patients with diabetes seeking medication to manage their diabetes. SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and DPP-4 inhibitors are other medications that help patients manage diabetes.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
In addition to lifestyle changes and medications, blood glucose monitoring is a crucial part of diabetes treatment. Monitoring blood glucose involves checking blood sugar levels daily to ensure that they lead to a healthy range. Several ways to monitor blood sugar levels are available; the most common ways to monitor blood sugar levels are below.
Blood Glucose Meters
Several healthcare professionals utilize blood glucose meters (small devices) to measure blood sugar levels. They take a small blood sample to provide results within seconds.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitoring is a type of blood glucose monitoring. It involves wearing a small sensor, which is inserted under the skin. The sensor measures blood sugar levels and provides results.
Potential Complications
While diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes, insulin and oral medications, and blood glucose monitoring, it’s essential to be aware of the potential complications that may arise when diabetes is not properly managed. Here are potential complications that can arise if diabetes is not properly managed.
Foot Damage
While diabetes can be managed by making lifestyle changes and taking medications, it’s important to be aware of some complications, including foot damage. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the feet, promoting ulcers and infections in the foot.
Eye Damage
Diabetes increases the risk of damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss and blindness. It is important to be aware of eye damage while diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
Kidney Damage
Diabetes can increase the risk of damaging the kidneys over time, promoting kidney failure.
Cardiovascular Disease
It’s important to be aware of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, when diabetes is managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Diabetes can develop cardiovascular disease, which typically leads to heart attacks and strokes.
Nerve Damage
When diabetes is managed with lifestyle changes and medication, nerve damage can occur. Diabetes can damage the nerves in the body, leading to tingling, numbness, and regular pain in the hands and feet.
In Conclusion:
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects a number of people across the globe. This disease requires lifelong management. As there is no cure for diabetes, however, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Always understand the signs and symptoms of diabetes and consult immediately with a healthcare professional.
Make lifestyle changes, take medication, monitor blood glucose, and be aware of the potential complications that lead to healthy and fulfilling lives.
This is a guide to diabetes treatment, including types, lifestyle changes, medication, and potential complications. It's recommended to read all aspects of diabetes treatment or work closely with a healthcare provider to understand and utilize a diabetes treatment plan.
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