How is Diabetes Treated and is it Curable?
There are millions of people who want to know the answer to the question, “How is Diabetes Treated?” This disease can occur at almost any age and it can prove hard to control in some instances. Diabetes is a treatable health condition and researchers have been very successful at gaining new understanding of the disease. Although diabetes can only be controlled at the present time, new research has certainly improved the possibility of one day finding a permanent cure.
In order to answer the question, “How is Diabetes Treated”, you need to define which form of the disease you are asking about. There are 2 types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs before a person is an adult, and this form of diabetes requires the use of insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is more common and it is generally referred to as Adult Onset Diabetes. People who develop Type 2 Diabetes have a multitude of treatment options, and they may never have to take insulin shots.
How is Diabetes treated depends on many factors, including
- Whether the individual has Type 1 or Type 2
- The age and physical condition
- Labwork and test results
- How advanced the disease is
While there is still no real cure for this condition it can still be controlled. This will allow the patients to live a more normal life. Ongoing research is improving the life and treatment options for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients.
How is Diabetes treated will differ for type 2 diabetics, depending on the amount of insulin that the person’s pancreas can still produce. The treatment regimen will also depend on the ability of the person’s system to use the insulin that is available.
Type 1 Diabetics will have to maintain a strict diet that adheres to the American Diabetic Association Guidelines (ADA). These patients will also require insulin shots in order to control their disease. This form of diabetes is difficult to manage, even when a patient is meticulously following their doctor’s orders. New methods of checking blood glucose levels, new types of insulin and better insulin pumps are helping patients control this disease more effectively.
People who are wondering, “How is Diabetes treated?” should know that there are 3 main treatment components that are used.
- A healthy diet is crucial for anyone who is either diabetic, pre-diabetic or at risk for developing the disease. The ADA can provide you with information about the foods that should be eaten as well as how to calculate your caloric intake.
- Regular physical activity is important if you want to successfully control and treat diabetes. Daily exercise is best, even if it only involves walking. Higher levels of exercise can lower blood sugar levels.
- Oral medications and insulin injections are sometimes needed to control diabetes. People with Type 1 Diabetes are going to require insulin, but some patients with Type 2 Diabetes may only need oral medications. It is also possible for a Type 2 Diabetic to control their disease by diet and exercise alone.