According to WebMD, 27 million people in the U.S. have a diagnosis of diabetes. If untreated this chronic condition can decrease your qualify of life or possibly end it.
Fortunately with some understanding on your part and help from your doctor you can do things to control this condition.
In this article we will discuss ways that your medical providers can help you treat diabetes so that you can live a long life.
Conventional Ways That Diabetes Is Treated
Insulin was the first, and remains the primary means of treatment for Type 1 diabetes and is administered by an injection. This method is necessary since insulin is destroyed by gastric stomach secretions when it is taken by mouth.
Insulin injections must be balanced with meals and daily activities, and glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood sugar testing.
Frequency of Insulin Use Per Day
Many diabetics need inject insulin only once a day; others require two or more injections. The usual time for a dose of insulin is before breakfast. The dosage is initially established according to the severity of the condition, but it often has to be reassessed as one or another of the variables in the person’s condition changes.
Treating Type 2 Diabetes
Metformin this is a common treatment for type 2 diabetes. It mainly works by reducing the amount of glucose that your liver releases into the bloodstream.
Sulphonylureas increase the amount of insulin produced by your pancreas. They also make your body’s cells more sensitive to insulin so that more glucose is taken up from the blood.
Treating Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is treated with intensive insulin therapy. This type of treatment is designed to achieve near-normal blood sugars, while also keeping the episodes of low blood sugars to a minimum.
Insulin therapy includes:
- Multiple daily injections of insulin
- Use of insulin pens and pumps
- The use of short acting insulin, intermediate acting insulin, and long acting insulin
Conclusion
Diabetes is a chronic condition that prevents your body from producing the right amount of insulin which is why it’s important to consult with your doctor to minimize the complications of uncontrolled diabetes.
If you need a doctor in Houston to help you manage your diabetes you can find one in the articles below:
- 15 Low Cost Medical Clinics In Houston
- Diabetes Management Programs In Houston
- How To Apply For A Harris Health Gold Card
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
