For people with diabetes, every day is a balancing act. They must carefully monitor their blood sugar levels and take steps to keep them within a healthy range. This involves maintaining their diet, exercise routine, and medication regimen.
People with diabetes also have to be vigilant about potential complications. High blood sugar levels can lead to serious problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team to manage their condition and reduce their risk of developing such complications.
There may be no cure for diabetes, but it is possible to treat and manage the condition well so that it does not interfere with daily life. The goal of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range and to prevent or delay the complications of diabetes.
With proper treatment, you can stop diabetes from taking over your life, and make it richer and more fulfilling. Here are three ways diabetes is treated and managed.
1. Insulin Therapy
Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas and helps to regulate the body’s metabolism of glucose. When someone has type 1 diabetes, their pancreas does not produce insulin or their body does not properly use the insulin that is produced, which results in high blood sugar levels.
Insulin therapy involves injecting insulin into the body through shots or an insulin pump. The amount of insulin injected depends on factors such as the person’s blood sugar level, how much they have eaten, and whether or not they are going to exercise. Insulin shots are typically given before meals, so the person’s blood sugar level will be under control when they eat.
The goal of insulin therapy is to keep blood sugar levels within a normal range so that people with diabetes can live healthy lives without complications from their disease. It is important to note that not all diabetics are good candidates for insulin therapy.
2. Oral Medication
Oral medication is a common treatment for diabetes. There are many different types of oral medications used to treat diabetes, and they work in different ways. Some oral medications help the body to better use insulin, while others help to lower blood sugar levels.
Some of the most commonly prescribed oral medications used to treat diabetes include metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and meglitinides. Metformin works by improving the body’s use of insulin. Sulfonylureas stimulate the production of insulin. Thiazolidinediones work by improving the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Meglitinides work by increasing the release of glucose from liver cells into the bloodstream. Your doctor can determine which of these is best suited for you based on your specific body needs and lifestyle.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help control blood sugar levels and improve overall health. While it may not sound like a treatment, lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on how well – or how badly – you manage your diabetes. Therefore, it is considered a treatment and one that every diabetic should take seriously. Making healthy choices regarding diet, physical activity, and stress management can help keep diabetes under control.
Dietary changes that can help manage diabetes include choosing foods that are low in sugar and fat, eating small meals throughout the day, and avoiding processed foods. Increasing the intake of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans can also help regulate blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps burn off excess glucose in the bloodstream and also improves insulin sensitivity. Stress management techniques such as relaxation therapy and yoga may also be helpful in managing blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Management in Rochester, NY
For comprehensive, one-on-one diabetes management services, choose the medical providers at Cornerstone Urgent Care Center. In addition to being a walk-in clinic providing treatments for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions, we also provide chronic disease management services for patients with diabetes, as well as hypertension and respiratory conditions. We can help you manage the symptoms of your chronic condition and provide continued support.
To schedule an appointment with us, call our office today at (585) 207-0088 or use our online form to send us a request. Our friendly and helpful staff is more than happy to assist you.
