How diabetes is treated
For the treatment of diabetes, whatever it is, it is necessary to use antidiabetic drugs that help lower blood sugar, such as glibenclamide, gliclazide, metformin or vildagliptin, for example, or even the application of synthetic insulin itself.
- In type 1 diabetes it is always preferable to use insulin.
- Because in this type of diabetes the pancreas cannot produce this hormone.
- In type 2 diabetes.
- Different types of antidiabetics.
- Which can be combined.
- Can be used to reduce blood sugar levels.
- Understand what causes it and how to differentiate types of diabetes.
In addition, in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it is recommended to follow a special diet, with adjustments in the amount of calories and glucose, as well as physical exercise, such as walking, dancing or cycling, for example, as they do there is a better absorption of blood sugar, as well as a greater sensitivity of the body to insulin.
There are different types of medications, called antidiabetics or hypoglycaemic agents, that are used to treat diabetes. The medication used is chosen by the doctor, depending on the type of diabetes, and also with other characteristics of the patient, such as weight, diet or economic possibilities, for example.
In type 1 diabetes, pancreatic cells cannot produce insulin, causing a buildup of glucose in the circulation. Therefore, the main form of treatment is to apply doses of synthetic insulin daily so that this hormone does its part by bringing blood glucose to the body’s tissues.
There are different types of insulin, divided according to its speed of action, which are slow, intermediate, fast or ultrafast. Generally, your doctor associates 2 or more types of insulin, applied 1 to 3 times a day, to make its action as close as possible to insulin produced in your body. Know what types of insulin they are, their characteristics and how to apply it.
To control diabetes, it is also important to monitor daily blood sugar levels with test strips and glucometer. Health clinics offer free insulin, syringes, needles and strips needed to control diabetes. You can learn more at the nearest health center.
This is usually done with antidiabetic medications that can act by increasing insulin production in the pancreas, improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin, decreasing glucose production by the body or even decreasing glucose absorption in the diet.
Some of the main examples of these remedies are Metformin, Glibenclamide, Gliclazida, Acarbose, Pioglitazone or the most recent ones such as Vildagliptin, Sitagliptin or Exenatide, for example. Ingestion or application of these remedies is usually done 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the type and severity of the disease. For more information on differences, see: Remedies for diabetes.
Treatment usually starts with just one of these medications and then your doctor evaluates the need for a combination of others, including insulin, which becomes necessary as the disease worsens over the years.
Treatment of gestational diabetes is guided by the obstetrician and endocrinologist, and the main form of treatment consists of a low-carb diet and regular moderate exercise.
However, in the most severe cases where the amount of blood sugar is much higher than expected, your doctor may recommend the use of oral antidiabetics, such as metformin or glibenclamide, or even insulin.
Gestational diabetes is detected after 22 weeks of gestation and occurs due to dysfunctions in the production and action of insulin in the body, in women during this period. Learn more about its causes, how to identify and treat this type of diabetes.
In addition to following medication guidelines recommended by your doctor, some natural tips include using flaxseed, passion fruit peel flour and drinking orange juice regularly, as these foods help control blood sugar levels. See an excellent home remedy for diabetes.
In addition, special attention should be paid to lifestyle changes, including diet control and exercise.
The diabetes diet should be guided by a nutritionist, respecting the age and lifestyle of the individual. General dietary recommendations for diabetes are:
Compliance with these dietary rules prevents complications of diabetes, such as diabetic neuropathy, kidneys, eyes, and poor healing. Read more: Diabetes diet.
Aerobic exercises are best suited for people with diabetes, and some examples include walking, running, dancing, biking, swimming or paddling, for example. Resistance and muscle development exercises should also be performed, as increased muscle mass improves insulin sensitivity.
Exercises should be done daily or at least 3 times a week, without ever staying more than 2 days without practice. Moderate to high intensity exercises, if approved by your doctor, are more recommended, however, care should be taken to adjust the doses of medications to avoid hypoglycaemia.
Watch the video below and watch life-enhancing exercises: