What Is Involved in Type I Diabetes Treatment?

The aim of treating type 1 diabetes is to have control over blood sugar levels and have them remain low. The use of insulin is essential in the treatment of this disease. However, other medications are also needed sometimes. There are times when medical practitioners advise diabetics to go on an exercise program and a special diet to assist them in their diabetes management.

With the pancreatic cells, which produce the insulin, killed by the immune system, there is no more production of insulin by the body of a person suffering from type 1 diabetes. Without a sufficient amount, insulin cannot perform its two functions which are the regulating of fat metabolism and the body's carbohydrates. This results in the energy from the calories in consumed food not reaching the body cells. Of course, since the body of type 1 diabetes patients can no longer produce the hormone, insulin, it has to be an essential part of their treatment.

Intermediate, long-acting and rapid-acting insulin are the various type of insulin used in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Sometimes, a doctor may suggest combining them in the treatment. You may choose to deliver the insulin into your body either by an injection or with a pump. A pump for the insulin is a gadget which is worn externally and it is attached to a tiny tube inserted beneath the skin. With the pump in place, the diabetic programs it to automatically send out the needed quantity of insulin for the quantity of carbohydrates consumed. Insulin pens, syringes and needles are needed for injections.

Some type 1 diabetics also need other medications in their treatment. One of such medications is pramlintide which can be injected before a meal to slow the movement of food in the stomach so that there will be no sudden increase of sugar in the bloodstream. Medications for blood pressure also look after the health of the kidneys; and this is helpful to diabetics as the kidneys need to put in extra effort to get rid of the excessive blood glucose. Medications for the lowering of cholesterol levels are just as helpful to diabetics as their chances of getting heart disease are higher.

Particularly nutritious foods are normally a component of diabetes treatment. A change in the amount and type of carbohydrates consumed can stabilize blood sugar levels. This is important as control over blood sugar levels is an essential part of the treatment for diabetes. To achieve this, the diabetic's diet ought to be able to offer enough energy without the use of excessive fat, especially saturated fat. The diet ought to provide sufficient nutrients and protein.

Exercise is the basic component in the treatment of type 1 diabetes since it assists to maintain blood sugar levels within the normal range as well as prevent any undesirable weight increase. This maintenance of a healthy weight is necessary in diabetes treatment as too much fat can lead to insulin resistance of the cells. Exercise, on the other hand, gets the cells to be more sensitive towards insulin. In the process, the efficiency of insulin improves. However, diabetics must be cautioned to check on their blood glucose levels before starting on any new exercise program since blood glucose levels can drop too low during exercise.

Diabetes Management Guidelines

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