Treatment FAQ

after someone has diabetes what is the medical treatment

by Chyna Leannon Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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When medicines and lifestyle changes are not enough to manage your diabetes, a less common treatment may be an option. Other treatments include bariatric surgery for certain people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and an "artificial pancreas" and pancreatic islet transplantation for some people with type 1 diabetes.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin because your body no longer makes this hormone. You will need to take insulin several times during the day, including with meals. You also could use an insulin pump, which gives you small, steady doses throughout the day.

Full Answer

What is the treatment for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Dec 09, 2021 · Do I have other treatment options for my diabetes? Bariatric surgery. Also called weight-loss surgery or metabolic surgery, bariatric surgery may help some people with... Artificial Pancreas. The NIDDK has played an important role in developing “artificial pancreas” technology. An... Pancreatic ...

Is diabetics disease treatable on their own?

Apr 16, 2019 · When a person has diabetes, the pancreas either does not produce insulin or the insulin does not work properly. People with type 1 diabetes usually remain under the care of an endocrinologist for...

What is the best way to treat diabetes?

For some people with type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise are enough to keep the disease under control. Other people need medication, which may include insulin and …

Do You Follow Your Diabetes Treatment Plan?

Apr 01, 2012 · American Diabetes Association (ADA)/European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) consensus guidelines recommended sulfonylureas as second-line agents after metformin. If hypoglycemia is a concern, however, especially in elderly patients or those who have renal insufficiency, meglitinides are an option.

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What treatments are needed when a person has diabetes?

TreatmentHealthy eating.Regular exercise.Weight loss.Possibly, diabetes medication or insulin therapy.Blood sugar monitoring.Jan 20, 2021

What is the most common treatment for diabetes?

Treatments for diabetes can depend on the type. Common treatments include a diabetic meal plan, regular physical activity, and medicines. Some less common treatments are weight loss surgery for either type and an artificial pancreas or pancreatic islet transplantation for some people with type 1 diabetes.Jan 31, 2022

Which is the best medicine for diabetes?

What Are the Best Drugs to Treat Diabetes?Insulin (long- and rapid-acting) ... Metformin (biguanide class) ... Glipizide (sulfonylurea class) ... Glimepiride (sulfonylurea class) ... Invokana (sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor class) ... Jardiance (SGLT2 class)​​​​​​​ ... Januvia (dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor)​​​​​​​More items...•Jul 26, 2020

Does diabetes need medicine?

Most people need medicine to control their type 2 diabetes. Medicine helps keep your blood sugar level as normal as possible to prevent health problems. You may have to take it for the rest of your life. Diabetes usually gets worse over time, so your medicine or dose may need to change.

What are the best ways to treat diabetes?

Treatment. Depending on what type of diabetes you have, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral medications may play a role in your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular activity also are important factors in managing diabetes.

How to treat type 1 diabetes?

Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. Treatment of type 2 diabetes primarily involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of your blood sugar, along with diabetes medications, insulin or both.

How to do a glucose challenge?

You'll begin the glucose challenge test by drinking a syrupy glucose solution. One hour later, you'll have a blood test to measure your blood sugar level. A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is usually considered normal on a glucose challenge test, although this may vary at specific clinics or labs.

How does exercise affect blood sugar?

Exercise lowers your blood sugar level by moving sugar into your cells, where it's used for energy. Exercise also increases your sensitivity to insulin, which means your body needs less insulin to transport sugar to your cells .

How to control blood sugar in a newborn?

In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and exercising, your treatment plan may include monitoring your blood sugar and, in some cases, using insulin or oral medications .

What blood test is used to determine blood sugar levels?

Tests for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test, which doesn't require fasting, indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. It measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

What is the blood sugar level of a diabetic?

Regardless of when you last ate, a blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) — 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) — or higher suggests diabetes. Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken after an overnight fast.

What to do if you suspect you have type 1 diabetes?

If you suspect that you or your child might have type 1 diabetes, get evaluated immediately. A simple blood test can let your doctor know if you need further evaluation and treatment.

What type of medication is prescribed for type 1 diabetes?

Other medications. Additional medications also may be prescribed for people with type 1 diabetes, such as: High blood pressure medications. Your doctor may prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to help keep your kidneys healthy.

What are some topics to discuss with a diabetic educator?

For type 1 diabetes, topics you want to clarify with your doctor, dietitian or diabetes educator include: The frequency and timing of blood glucose monitoring. Insulin therapy — types of insulin used, timing of dosing, amount of dose. Insulin administration — shots versus a pump.

How long does it take to retest for Type 1 diabetes?

Retest again in 15 minutes to make sure it has risen to a safe level. Working. Type 1 diabetes can pose some challenges in the workplace. For example, if you work in a job that involves driving or operating heavy machinery, hypoglycemia could pose a serious risk to you and those around you.

How does diabetes affect emotions?

Diabetes can affect your emotions both directly and indirectly. Poorly controlled blood sugar can directly affect your emotions by causing behavior changes, such as irritability. There may be times you feel resentful about your diabetes.

What is the recommended cholesterol level for diabetics?

The American Diabetes Association recommends that low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol be below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L). Your high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol is recommended to be over 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women and over 40 mg/dL (1 mmol/L) in men.

How to get a diabetic to exercise?

Physical activity. Everyone needs regular aerobic exercise, and people who have type 1 diabetes are no exception. First, get your doctor's OK to exercise. Then choose activities you enjoy, such as walking or swimming, and make them part of your daily routine.

How can a doctor help people with diabetes?

Support networks. A doctor or endocrinologist can help people with diabetes to understand the best course of treatment for them, but this is just one aspect of managing the condition. Diabetes is a complex condition. Having a larger support network of relevant specialists can improve the quality of treatment.

What can a dietitian do for diabetes?

Dieticians can help individuals with type 1 or 2 diabetes plan their meals and manage their blood sugar. A dietitian can work with a person who has diabetes to find a balanced diet that suits their lifestyle. Understanding the roles of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the body is important for diabetes management.

What is the most common specialist in the field of diabetes?

The most common specialists in the field of diabetes are endocrinologists. Endocrinologists specialize in hormonal issues and the glands that produce these hormones. Diabetes develops when the pancreas no longer produces insulin in the way it should do. The pancreas is a gland, and insulin is a hormone.

What to bring to a doctor for the first time?

It is helpful to bring a notebook, smartphone, or laptop when visiting the doctor for the first time. It will help to keep track of any important points and any questions or tips that come up.

Does diabetes cause kidney disease?

People with diabetes have a higher risk of kidney disease over time than someone without the condition. For this reason, a doctor may recommend regular testing to monitor kidney function. A general doctor will normally carry this out.

Do you need to see a doctor for diabetes?

When to see a specialist. Seeing a specialist for diabetes is not always necessary. Many people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels on their own, at home. Sometimes, however, a complication arises that needs specialist help, or the person may have concerns that a general physician cannot advise on.

Do you need a glucose test for a first time visit?

For some visits, and especially a first-time visit, a person may need to take a fasting blood glucose test. It is important to ask for clear instructions before the appointment day.

How to treat diabetes?

Exercise for Diabetes. Another crucial element in a treatment program for diabetes is exercise. With either type of diabetes, check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Exercise improves your body's use of insulin and may lower blood sugar levels.

How to prevent blood sugar from falling?

To prevent your blood sugar from falling to dangerously low levels, check your blood sugar and, if necessary, eat a carbohydrate snack about half an hour before exercising . If you start to feel symptoms of low blood sugar (called hypoglycemia), stop exercising and have a carbohydrate snack or drink.

Why is my blood sugar high?

Your blood sugar (also called blood glucose) levels may be high if your pancreas is producing little or no insulin ( type 1 diabetes ), or if the body is not responding normally to insulin ( type 2 diabetes ). Getting diagnosed begins with one of three tests.

What drugs help with insulin resistance?

Drugs that improve how the body uses insulin, such as pioglitazone ( Actos) and rosiglitazone ( Avandia) Drugs that decrease sugar production by the liver and improve insulin resistance, like metformin ( Glucophage ). Metformin causes weight loss and this is one of the ways it helps bring blood sugars back to normal.

What does a fasting glucose test mean?

In most cases, your doctor will want to repeat a test that is high in order to confirm the diagnosis: A fasting glucose test is a test of your blood sugar levels taken in the morning before you have eaten. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher may mean that you have diabetes.

How to control blood sugar?

Watching your carbohydrates -- knowing how much you need and how many you are eating -- is key to blood sugar control. If you are overweight, either a low-carbohydrate, low-fat/low calorie, or Mediterranean diet may help you get your weight to goal.

Does exercise help with diabetes?

For people with either type of diabetes, exercise can lower the chance of having a heart attack or stroke and can improve circulation. It may offer stress relief, as well. People with type 2 diabetes who need to lose weight can benefit from moderate exercise.

PRESENTATION

O.B. is a 67-year-old African-American man who has had type 2 diabetes for 11 years. He was diagnosed incidentally through laboratory testing. Metformin was initiated at diagnosis and eventually titrated to his current dose of 1,000 mg twice daily.

QUESTIONS

Why is metformin used as initial therapy? What are the benefits and contraindications to metformin use?

COMMENTARY

Metformin should be used as initial therapy in type 2 diabetes unless contraindications exist. The benefits of metformin include its ability to lower A1C by 1–2% and FPG by 60–70 mg/dl.

CLINICAL PEARLS

Metformin should be used as initial therapy for type 2 diabetes unless contraindications exist. Second-line agents include sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, meglitinides, and α-glucosidase inhibitors. TZDs are no longer recommended because of potential increases in cardiovascular risk and fracture risk.

How to help diabetics in an emergency?

Planning ahead can help. Having essential supplies, prescriptions, important paperwork, and practical skills will help you during an emergency. People with diabetes should also be prepared to manage their condition during any kind of emergency, whether they have to shelter in place, evacuate, or protect themselves from an infectious disease.

Why is it important to plan ahead for diabetes?

Plan ahead so that you can manage your diabetes during times of emergency. Natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies can happen at any moment. They may cause widespread and long-lasting impacts on supplies, services, and health care systems. Emergencies can be stressful because we often feel things are out of our control.

How long does insulin last?

A copy of your photo ID and health insurance card. Pack enough diabetes supplies to last at least 1 to 2 weeks, including: Insulin and syringes for every injection. Learn more about insulin storage.

What are some good things to do with low blood sugar?

Lancets and lancing devices. Insulin pump supplies, including extra pump sets and insertion devices. Glucagon kits . Ketone strips. Alcohol wipes. Glucose tablets or 15 grams of quick carbs (such as juice, hard candy, or honey) to treat low blood sugar.

What is the best medicine for low blood sugar?

Glucose tablets or 15 grams of quick carbs (such as juice, hard candy, or honey) to treat low blood sugar. Oral diabetes medicine. An empty plastic bottle or sharps container to safely carry syringes, needles, and lancets. Be sure to store your supplies properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What to do when your medical ID is close to expiration?

You can use the supplies that were in the kit for your daily care before they reach the expiration date . When You Can’t Speak for Yourself. Wearing a medical ID, usually a bracelet or necklace, can keep you safe and healthy if you can’t speak for yourself.

Can you get dialysis if you have kidney disease?

If you’re on dialysis for chronic kidney disease, getting dialysis treatment may not be possible, especially if the power is out or roads are closed. Find potentially life-saving tips if you can’t get dialysis treatment, including the 3-Day Emergency Diet. Take Care of Your Mental Health.

When do doctors check for gestational diabetes?

Doctors will check for gestational diabetes between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. They will use blood tests to measure blood glucose levels. The tests may involve a one- or two-step glucose tolerance test. The one-step glucose tolerance test requires fasting overnight.

When does blood sugar return to normal?

In most people, blood sugar levels return to normal after the baby is born. Nevertheless, a person should be mindful of diabetes symptoms as 50%. Trusted Source. of people who experience gestational diabetes may go on to develop type 2 diabetes. Last medically reviewed on January 26, 2021.

Why is it important to check blood glucose levels while pregnant?

This is why it is important that a doctor diagnoses gestational diabetes promptly to ensure blood glucose levels are kept stable. Around 3%–8% of pregnant people in the United States will develop gestational diabetes.

Why is gestational diabetes dangerous?

Prevention. Summary. Gestational diabetes is when blood glucose levels are abnormally high during pregnancy due to the body developing a resistance to insulin. Without treatment, the condition may harm the person and the baby. After the baby is born, symptoms of gestational diabetes usually disappear.

What are the complications of gestational diabetes?

Examples of possible complications of gestational diabetes for a baby include: early birth. high birth weight. low blood glucose after birth. breathing problems. miscarriage or stillbirth. Gestational diabetes may also increase the risk of preeclampsia. This is a condition that causes high blood pressure.

How many people have gestational diabetes?

Around 3%–8% of pregnant people in the United States will develop gestational diabetes. Blood sugar levels usually return to normal levels after the baby is born, though 50%. Trusted Source. of people who experience gestational diabetes may develop type 2 diabetes in the future.

How long does it take to get a glucose tolerance test?

This test requires fasting. The person consumes a 100-gram glucose dose and a doctor draws their blood at 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours after the dose.

How to manage diabetes?

Work with your doctor and other members of your diabetes treatment team to manage diabetes. Some important aspects of taking charge of this disease include: 1 Monitoring your blood glucose levels throughout the day, every day by testing your blood at home with a special device 2 Creating a meal plan and sticking to it 3 Getting lots of physical activity 4 Taking your diabetes medication and working with your doctor to monitor its effectiveness

Why is diabetes important to be monitored?

Diabetes needs to be monitored and managed daily to ensure that blood sugar levels are stable and in the healthy range. A number of factors can cause uncontrolled diabetes: One or more of these factors can cause uncontrolled diabetes.

What does it mean when your blood sugar is uncontrolled?

Uncontrolled diabetes means that blood sugar has spiked too high and that it’s time to take measures to bring it back down to healthy levels.

How high should blood sugar be for diabetics?

For someone with diabetes, blood sugar levels should range between 70 and 140 ml/dL depending on when the reading is done. Blood glucose levels fluctuate with fasting, eating, and exercising. In uncontrolled diabetes, blood sugar climbs to 180 ml/dL or higher. Hyperglycemia is extremely dangerous; indeed, almost every organ and system in ...

How to monitor blood glucose levels?

Monitoring your blood glucose levels throughout the day, every day by testing your blood at home with a special device. Creating a meal plan and sticking to it. Getting lots of physical activity. Taking your diabetes medication and working with your doctor to monitor its effectiveness.

Why is insulin important?

Insulin is a hormone that acts as an important key, unlocking the cells of the body so that glucose can leave the bloodstream and enter the cells. Without insulin, the glucose produced during digestion stays in the blood instead of entering the cells.

Can you have diabetes if you don't know?

Uncontrolled diabetes happens for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, people don’t know that they have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can sneak up on people insidiously, with few warning signs and symptoms until blood sugar has spiked out of control.

What type of diabetes do you need to treat?

Everyone is different, so treatment will vary depending on your own individual needs. If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to use insulin to treat your diabetes.

How do I get rid of Type 2 diabetes?

Weight loss surgery. There are lots of obesity surgery procedures to the stomach or intestine that you can get to help you lose weight. There have been lots of studies that have found that this can help to put Type 2 diabetes into remission.

What is the best medication for diabetes type 2?

If you have type 2 diabetes you may need medication to help manage your blood sugar levels. The most common tablet is metformin, but there are lots of different types. Some medication stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, such as sulphonylureas.

How do I take insulin?

You take the insulin by injection or by using a pump. It’s also free on prescription. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may have to use insulin or tablets, though you might initially be able to treat your diabetes by eating well and moving more. If you have another type of diabetes, your treatment options may be different.

Can you take medication for Type 2 diabetes?

Lots of people with Type 2 diabetes don’t take any medication, and they instead treat their diabetes by eating well and moving more, our latest research DiRECT has even shown that weight loss can put Type 2 diabetes into remission. We have loads of information and advice that will help you live a healthy life.

Do people with type 1 diabetes need insulin?

Everyone with Type 1 diabetes, and some people with type 2 diabetes, need to take insulin to control their blood glucose (sugar) levels. If you need help injecting yourself, Emma can show you how in our video below.

Can you get an islet cell transplant if you have diabetes?

Islet cell transplant. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you may be able to get an islet cell transplant. This could stop you experiencing severe hypos. Get more information about islet cell transplants – what they are and how to access them.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

  • Depending on what type of diabetes you have, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral medications may play a role in your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular activity also are important factors in managing diabetes.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • Diabetes is a serious disease. Following your diabetes treatment plan takes round-the-clock commitment. Careful management of diabetes can reduce your risk of serious — even life-threatening — complications. 1. Make a commitment to managing your diabetes.Learn all you can about diabetes. Establish a relationship with a diabetes educator, and ask your diabetes treatme…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Alternative Medicine

  • Numerous substances have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in some studies, while other studies fail to find any benefit for blood sugar control or in lowering A1C levels. Because of the conflicting findings, there aren't any alternative therapies that are currently recommended to help everyone with blood sugar management. If you decide to try any type of alternative therapy, don'…
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Coping and Support

  • Living with diabetes can be difficult and frustrating. Sometimes, even when you've done everything right, your blood sugar levels may rise. But stick with your diabetes management plan, and you'll likely see a positive difference in your A1C when you visit your doctor. Because good diabetes management can be time-consuming, and sometimes overwhelming, some people fin…
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Preparing For Your Appointment

  • You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor if you're having diabetes symptoms. If your child is having diabetes symptoms, you might see your child's pediatrician. If blood sugar levels are extremely high, you'll likely be sent to the emergency room. If blood sugar levels aren't high enough to put you or your child immediately at risk, you may be referred to a doctor who speciali…
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Diagnosis

  • Diagnostic tests include: 1. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test.This blood test indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. It measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells (hemoglobin). The higher your blood sugar levels, the more hemoglobin you'll have with sugar attached. An A1C level of 6.5 per…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

  • Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes: 1. Taking insulin 2. Carbohydrate, fat and protein counting 3. Frequent blood sugar monitoring 4. Eating healthy foods 5. Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight The goal is to keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible to delay or prevent complications. Generally, the goal is to...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • Careful management of type 1 diabetes can reduce your risk of serious — even life-threatening — complications. Consider these tips: 1. Make a commitment to manage your diabetes.Take your medications as recommended. Learn all you can about type 1 diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. Establish a relationship with a diabetes educator, and …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Coping and Support

  • Diabetes can affect your emotions both directly and indirectly. Poorly controlled blood sugar can directly affect your emotions by causing behavior changes, such as irritability. There may be times you feel resentful about your diabetes. People with diabetes have an increased risk of depression and diabetes-related distress, which may be why many diabetes specialists regularly include a s…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • If you suspect that you or your child might have type 1 diabetes, get evaluated immediately. A simple blood test can let your doctor know if you need further evaluation and treatment. After diagnosis, you'll need close medical follow-up until your blood sugar level stabilizes. A doctor who specializes in hormonal disorders (endocrinologist) generally coordinates diabetes care. Your h…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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