Before the discovery of
insulin in 1921, everyone with
type 1 diabetes died within a few years after diagnosis. Although insulin is not considered a cure, its discovery was the first major breakthrough in
diabetes treatment.
Today, treatment for type 1
diabetes includes:
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Taking insulin through injection or an insulin pump.
The amount of insulin must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent testing.
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Treatment for this type of diabetes includes:
- Healthy living
- Physical activity
- Blood glucose testing.
In addition, many people with
type 2 diabetes require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels
(see Diabetes Drugs).
People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care. Much of the daily care involves keeping blood glucose levels from getting too low or too high. When blood glucose levels drop too low -- a condition known as hypoglycemia -- a person can become:
Judgment can be impaired, and, if blood glucose falls too low, fainting can occur. A person can also become ill if blood glucose levels rise too high, a condition known as hyperglycemia.
Daily diabetes treatment includes:
Previous