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What are the Different Treatments for Diabetes?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Managing diabetes is a process that often involves a regimen including diet, exercise, and medication. Because different people respond to different forms of treatment, there is no one ideal method for dealing with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Here are some examples of different treatments for diabetes that help many people to lead happy and healthy lives.

Prescription medication is often the first line of defense when it comes to dealing with diabetes. Insulin injections are usually reserved for more advanced cases, while oral medications are often an effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes. The medications work to help the body process carbohydrates more effectively, avoiding some of the undesirable side effects that occur when blood glucose levels are too high. A physician can work with the patient to find the best medication to use in the treatment of diabetes, and monitor the status of the disease to determine if the dosage should be adjusted or if the time has come for a more aggressive treatment.

Psyllium husk can help with controlling blood sugar.
Psyllium husk can help with controlling blood sugar.

When an individual does not require medication, diet and exercise are often the recommended treatments for diabetes. Changing eating habits to minimize the consumption of carbohydrates will make a big difference in how the individual feels. While it is necessary to consume some carbohydrates, diabetics are encouraged to go with foods containing complex carbs rather than simple carbohydrates. These tend to be kinder to blood glucose levels and are less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar.

Red peppers contain capsaicin, which may help regulate blood sugar.
Red peppers contain capsaicin, which may help regulate blood sugar.

Exercise is also essential when dealing with diabetes. Regular physical activity helps prevent the storage of excess carbs as fat, thus placing less stress on the heart and other key organs. Even something as simple as a brisk thirty minute walk each day will help augment other treatments for diabetes and keep the condition under control. Doctors can help patients identify exercises that will provide benefits while also taking into account the current status of their overall health.

Losing weight may help lower an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Losing weight may help lower an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Some people respond very well to herbal treatments for diabetes. Capsicum or cayenne pepper is said to be a powerful regulator of blood sugar levels. Ginger and garlic are also said to contain properties that help the body deal with an inability to process carbohydrates properly. Parsley, psyllium, and red clover are also claimed to be helpful in controlling blood sugar.

Monitoring blood glucose levels is part of treating diabetes.
Monitoring blood glucose levels is part of treating diabetes.

Vitamins and minerals are also among effective treatments for diabetes. A regimen including Vitamin A, C, the B vitamins, and Vitamin E can help increase energy and general efficiency of the body. Zinc supplementation is also helpful, since diabetics are often deficient in this mineral. Potassium and a balance of calcium and magnesium can also aid in getting recuperative sleep, a must for anyone dealing with diabetes.

In more severe case of diabetes, regular insulin injections may be necessary.
In more severe case of diabetes, regular insulin injections may be necessary.

When considering any treatments for diabetes, it is important to work with a doctor to determine what elements are likely to provide the most benefit while not causing any interaction with medications currently taken. In addition, using a blood glucose monitor to check glucose levels at one and two hour intervals after meals will also provide insight into how well the treatments are working.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Psyllium husk can help with controlling blood sugar.
      By: Marek
      Psyllium husk can help with controlling blood sugar.
    • Red peppers contain capsaicin, which may help regulate blood sugar.
      By: atoss
      Red peppers contain capsaicin, which may help regulate blood sugar.
    • Losing weight may help lower an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
      By: bacalao
      Losing weight may help lower an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
    • Monitoring blood glucose levels is part of treating diabetes.
      By: charger_v8
      Monitoring blood glucose levels is part of treating diabetes.
    • In more severe case of diabetes, regular insulin injections may be necessary.
      By: Kuruan
      In more severe case of diabetes, regular insulin injections may be necessary.
    • Parsley can be helpful for controlling blood sugar.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Parsley can be helpful for controlling blood sugar.
    • Green tea, which helps regulate blood sugar, is a good beverage option for diabetics.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Green tea, which helps regulate blood sugar, is a good beverage option for diabetics.
    • Treatment protocols for diabetes differ based on whether the disease is type 1 or type 2.
      By: brankatekic
      Treatment protocols for diabetes differ based on whether the disease is type 1 or type 2.
    • People with diabetes who want to modify their treatment regimen should first discuss any changes with their physician.
      By: Monkey Business
      People with diabetes who want to modify their treatment regimen should first discuss any changes with their physician.
    • Insulin pumps are growing in popularity, although the traditional injection remains the most common way to manage diabetes.
      By: hilleborg
      Insulin pumps are growing in popularity, although the traditional injection remains the most common way to manage diabetes.
    • Red clover can help control blood sugar.
      By: Tomboy2290
      Red clover can help control blood sugar.