Treatment

No cure has been discovered for diabetes, but effective treatment exists. Access to appropriate medication, quality of care and good medical advice leads an active and healthy normal life and reduces the risk of developing complications.

Treatment always includes eating a balanced diet. Food raises blood sugar levels. People with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as anyone else, that is to say, a well-balanced diet based on body weight that spreads carbohydrates, and adequate protein intake for about 40 to 60% of total energy throughout the day.

Regular exercise lowers blood sugar. Like insulin, it also helps the body use its blood sugar efficiently. It may also help insulin work more effectively. Exercise will also help to lose weight.

Monitoring blood sugar levels (using a personal blood sugar meter) and taking insulin.
When hyperglycemia in NIDDM cannot be controlled by diet, oral hypoglycemic agents maybe administered. The usual practice is to prescribe sulfonylurea (a drug given orally to lower blood sugar in diabetic), increasing the dose to the maximum level as required, then to add metformin as a second drug when indicated. Troglitazone, which enhances insulin action, is used by some physicians as an additional drug in NIDDM patients who do not have adequate response to insulin or maximal doses of oral agents (although it is not approved by the FDA for the latter purpose).

Insulin is always required for IDDM and for many with NIDDM. Conventional therapy involves the administration of intermediate-acting insulin (NPH or Lente) once or twice a day with or without small amounts or regular insulin. The standard starting dose is 0.5-1.0 (U/kg)/ day before breakfast or a mixture of two-thirds intermediate-acting insulin; and one third of short-acting insulin an additional injection given before supper contains one-third of the morning dose. The goal for blood glucose content should be in a normal level. If this goal cannot be achieved, the incidence of long term complications of diabetes is increased.
Working closely with the doctor and follow prescribed treatment, may also help. It is important to be more in control of life and prevent or delay complications.