Last Updated on Saturday, 08 August 2009 12:17

Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease without a cure. Medical treatment aims at maintaining the blood glucose level within a normal range, achieved through the following means on an ongoing basis.

Lifestyle changes

These include a special diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction. Glucose is a sugar released from carbohydrates. So if you want to control blood sugar you need to limit carbohydrates.

A few diet tips:

• Include more fibre in your food (40 gm / day).

• Avoid eating 3 heavy meals and instead eat 4 to 5 small meals.

• Say no to bakery products and fast foods, choosing in their place whole grain cereals.

• Consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Medication

Type 1 diabetes: The correct blood insulin level must be maintained through a combination of right food and daily activities. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections that need to be taken every day, as these are vital to the patient’s survival.

Type 2 diabetes: This is chiefly managed with oral medication that either stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, or helps the body to utilize insulin. When oral medication fails, you may need insulin injections.

Blood pressure and cholesterol control

This is achieved through medication, reducing the intake of salt, alcohol, and high calorie foods, regular exercise, and giving up smoking.