Too much glucose (sugar) in the blood for a long time can cause diabetes. This high blood glucose (also called blood sugar) can damage many parts of the body, such as the:

* Heart
* Blood vessels
* Eyes
* Kidneys.

Heart and blood vessel disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Therefore, diabetes treatment is aimed at keeping blood glucose levels as close to the normal range as safely possible. Studies have shown that doing this reduces the risk of developing major complications associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Self-Management of Diabetes Treatment

Self-management is a key component of treating diabetes. This refers to the ongoing process of managing the condition. This includes:

* Planning meals
* Planning physical activity
* Monitoring blood glucose
* Taking diabetes medication
* Handling episodes of illness and of low and high blood glucose
* Managing diabetes when traveling.

The person with diabetes designs his or her own self-management treatment plan in consultation with a variety of healthcare professionals, such as:

* Doctors
* Nurses
* Dietitians
* Pharmacists.

Treating Type 1 Diabetes

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).

Daily Treatment

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:

* Nervous
* Shaky
* Confused.

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:

* Following the healthy eating plan (diabetes diet) that you and your doctor or dietitian have created.
* Engaging in physical activity for a total of 30 minutes most days. Ask your doctor which activities are best for you.
*
Taking your medicines at the same time each day.
* Checking your blood glucose every day. Each time you check your blood glucose, write the number in your record book.
* Checking your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
* Brushing and flossing your teeth and gums every day.
* Quitting smoking (or not starting in the first place).

Read More

Natural Remedies for Diabetes Coenzyme Q10
Natural Remedies for Diabetes an Introduction
Alternative Treatments for Diabetes
Oral Medications for Diabetes
An Overview of Diabetic Medication
Treating Diabetes an Overview
Diabetes and Exercise
Herbal Medicine for Diabetes
Diabetes Supplements