Article Advise

submitted: Jul 30th 2008 | by: JuliaHanf | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 530 | |

The treatment methods used for diabetes depend on the type and degree of diabetes, as well as the patient's age and other factors.

For example, pregnant women may suffer from gestational diabetes, which most often begins between the 24th and 28th week; after birth this condition can disappear. If mild, gestational diabetes may need no treatment other than careful monitoring; other cases may need dietary adjustments or medications. On the other side of the spectrum, Type 1 diabetes is not curable with current methods and will generally need lifetime insulin treatments.

There are many other forms of treatment, most of them based on self-care.

More extensive treatments may involve drugs other than insulin.

For instance, Sulfonylureas (Micronase and Glucotrol) prompt the body to make sufficient insulin. These medications are used for Type 1 diabetes, which stems from low insulin production. Since Type 2 involves the inefficient use of insulin, Biguanides (Glocphage, and others), which increase the efficient use of insulin are helpful. Type 2 can also be treated with Thiazolidinediones (Avedia, and others) which increase the cells' insulin sensitivity.

Other drugs work on glucose levels. Meglitinides (such as Prandin) help control the blood sugar level after eating. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (like Precose) slow down the absorption of sugars in the digestive tract.

Regardless of the treatment used, the blood glucose level must be continually monitored, using single or multiple methods. The diabetic and his or her doctor can then plan the appropriate treatment regimen.

In some cases, particularly those involving Type 2 diabetes, adjustment of the diet and an appropriate exercise regimen may be enough to control the disease without drugs. This is particularly true for those who suffer from elevated glucose levels with a condition called pre-diabetes.

Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are strongly correlated. People with excess fat primarily in the middle are especially at risk for diabetes. These people may be able to control their disease without drugs simply by losing enough weight or they may be able to go off diabetes medication once they have lost the weight.

Adjusting the lifestyle to lose weight has other benefits. The risk of cardiovascular problems such as stroke and heart attack is reduced by adjusting alcohol intake, controlling carbohydrate intake, and making other dietary adjustments.

Physical exercise lowers blood sugar levels, having a direct effect on the condition. But exercise also helps the body's immune system along with having other positive benefits. That helps reduce the odds of subsidiary problems produced by diabetes. Stress, in particular, can produce changes that affect how hormones, including insulin, are used by the body. Exercise and an overall attitude adjustment can bring that under control.

If insulin becomes necessary, there are other forms apart from traditional injections. Oral insulin is now in widespread use. Insulin inhalers have recently been approved by the FDA for treatment of diabetes. An insulin pump, which injects the appropriate amount automatically as needed, may be appropriate for some patients.

If you suspect diabetes, don't wait to get tested. Only a doctor can give the tests needed and determine if you have diabetes and what treatment you may need. The early you are diagnosed the easier diabetes is to treat.

About the Author

Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.

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