Treatment for diabetes generally is to lower the blood sugar level and makes sure insulin does their job of processing glucose into body cells. However, various diabetes treatments are different for type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. This is because type 1 diabetes occurs when not enough insulin is produced. Type 2 diabetes however happens when the body cells themselves are resisting the insulin as they perceive it as a threat to the body.

We will start with treatments for type 1 diabetes first. As the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin, ways to make the pancreas resume its normal function is more emphasized. For this, physical activities such as exercises are introduced to make the body cells more active and thus become healthier to resume their normal functions. Besides that, diabetic diet will also be reinforced to control the amount of sugar that can really be processed by the insulin. Low carbs and high fibre diet will be introduced so that excessive glucose can be taken out of the body while not burdening the pancreas to produce more insulin. Insulin intake will also be introduced. Insulin pump, which is about the size of a small cell-phone, is carried around and it provides continuous insulin delivery for the whole day. Insulin pump is very common now and its benefit is that it gives flexibility over your lifestyle while preventing hypoglycaemia. People using insulin pump has to remember to check their blood sugar level everyday, especially before and after a meal. This requires constant monitoring as the pump has to be checked constantly to make sure the battery juice is still full and to change the insertion every few days as it might become infected. Furthermore, one insulin pump can cost $5000-6000 and monthly cost is about 500$. Still, there are other alternatives such as pre-filled insulin pens, inhaled insulin and also islet cell transplantation which is still under research and clinical trials.

Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with obesity. For type 2 diabetes, treatments are more concentrated on weight reduction, diabetic diet and preventing sedentary lifestyle. Excessive fat actually reduces body cells’ sensitivity towards insulin, making them resistant to it. SO, obesity has to be tackled first before continuing with other methods of treatment. Diabetic diet is implemented where fat and cholesterol intakes are reduced while promoting food that rich in fibre such as whole grain, fruits and vegetables. Then, a change in lifestyle is also required. Patients have to do physical activities such as exercises and also cut down on harmful habits such as smiling and excessive drinking. A series of medications will also be recommended and provided for patients such as sulfonylureas and meglitinides.

Most often, a change in lifestyle and eating habits are the most crucial in treating diabetes. Diabetes treatment requires a change of mind and outlook to make sure of its efficiency.