Diabetes Treatment Type 1 Type 2

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What is the treatment for diabetes?

Those recently diagnosed with diabetes, often ask "how will this change my life?" or "what is the treatment for diabetes?". Treatment depends on diabetes diagnosis.

Type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections to replace insulin not produced by the body. On the contrary, Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes diagnoses.

People with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin and need injections. Meals and insulin injections need to be planned so that the correct amount of food (sugar) in the bloodstream "meets up" with insulin. If too much food is eaten, high blood sugars occur as a result of not having enough insulin. Not consuming enough food leads to low blood sugars as a result of having too much insulin. Insulin injections are intended to cover a planned diet.

Exercise must be planned carefully with Type 1 diabetes. If one plans to exercise, insulin and food may be adjusted to meet calories burned. Skipping planned exercise can affect blood sugars.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% diabetes diagnoses. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin being produced but not working as it should. Insulin injections are not common unless there are concerns of uncontrolled blood sugars.

Treatment for Type 2 diabetes includes:

Weight loss if overweight. Current research supports a 5% weight loss can help in tighter blood sugar control.
Physical activity for overall health and improved insulin sensitivity. The current recommendation is exercise 5 days a week for 30 minutes each day. Some suggest 45 minutes physical exercise 6 days per week is optimal for heart health.
Food plan supporting blood sugar control and a healthy body weight. This includes carbohydrates spread evenly throughout the day, low fat diet, limited sodium, and limited alcohol.
Oral medications if needed. These medications are taken by mouth instead of injection.

Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the main goal is to normalize blood sugars so complications are limited. Testing blood sugars on a regular basis is key in treatment of diabetes to control blood sugars. Check with your diabetes educator or doctor for more information on what treatment is right for you and how often you should be checking your blood sugars.

Plan your treatment. Learn about diet, exercise, medications, and testing blood sugars to make the most of your treatment.

Diabetes articles with topics covering diabetes medications diabetes complications diabetic diet and nutrition facts for those diagnosed with diabetes. Menus are prepared by professional diabetes educators. Weekly diabetes menu includes a grocery list diabetes recipes and nutrition analysis.

Diabetes care is specific and all of the information on the DiabetesPlanner.com website may not apply to you. Our diabetes menus diabetes recipes and other diabetes information are not intended to replace professional medical advice & be aware of diabetes complications and other issues. Always check with your physician prior to starting a diabetic diet diabetes medications or exercise program.