Treatments for Diabetes

Diabetes treatment is focused on keeping blood sugar in a normal range every day. A recent major study showed that keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as safely possible reduces the risk of developing major complications of type 1 diabetes.

If you have diabetes, a good blood sugar range is from about 70 to 150 (before a meal) and less than 200 about two hours after your last meal. Ask your health care provider what the best range of blood sugar is for you, how to test your blood sugar and how often. Careful meal planning and exercise to control your weight are important to control your diabetes. Your health care provider will evaluate if you need diabetes pills or insulin shots.

Your health care provider can also help you develop a plan for things you should do every day to take care of your diabetes, including following a healthy eating plan (eat your meals and snacks around the same time each day) and being active for a total of 30 minutes most days. If you do need diabetes medicine, take it at the same times every day. Test your blood sugar and record it in a diary, then call your health care provider if your numbers are too high or too low for two to three days. If you have high blood pressure, take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Check your bare feet for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails (use a mirror if you have trouble seeing the bottom of your feet). Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. And, don't smoke!

Since diabetes can cause serious problems for other parts of your body, you can help detect these problems early by: having an eye exam once a year, even if your eyes seem okay; having a dentist clean and check your teeth and gums twice a year; and having your urine tested at least once a year (to make sure your kidneys are healthy). See your health care provider right away if you have signs of a urinary tract, bladder, or kidney infection.