| Treatment of Diabetes |
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| To survive, people with
type 1 diabetes must have insulin delivered by injections or a pump.
Treatment requires a strict regimen that typically includes a carefully
calculated diet, planned physical activity, home blood glucose testing
several times a day, and multiple daily insulin injections. Many people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose by following a careful diet and exercise program, losing excess weight, home blood glucose testing, and in some cases, oral medication and/or insulin. Approximately 40% of people with type 2 diabetes require insulin injections. Diabetes self-management education is an integral component of medical care. Many people with diabetes also need to take medications to control their cholesterol and blood pressure. Among adults with diagnosed diabetes, 12% take both insulin and oral medications, 19% take insulin only, 53% take oral medications only, and 15% do not take either insulin or oral medications. Several approaches to "cure" diabetes are also being pursued: Pancreas transplantation Islet cell transplantation (islet cells produce insulin) Artificial pancreas development Genetic manipulation (fat or muscle cells that dont normally make insulin have a human insulin gene inserted then these "pseudo" islet cells are transplanted into people with type 1 diabetes). Each of these approaches still has a lot of challenges, such as preventing immune rejection; finding an adequate number of insulin cells; keeping cells alive; and others. But progress is being made in all areas. Treating the complications of diabetes is also crucial to long-term patient care. Methods for controlling and prevent diabetic complications include: Glucose control Research studies in the United States and abroad have found that improved glycemic control benefits people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In general, for every 1% reduction in results of A1C blood tests (e.g., from 8.0% to 7.0%), the risk of developing microvascular diabetic complications (eye, kidney, and nerve disease) is reduced by 40%. Blood pressure control Blood pressure control can reduce cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) by approximately 33% to 50% and can reduce microvascular disease (eye, kidney, and nerve disease) by approximately 33%. In general, for every 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) reduction in systolic blood pressure, the risk for any complication related to diabetes is reduced by 12%. Control of blood lipids Improved control of cholesterol or blood lipids (for example, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) can reduce cardiovascular complications by 20% to 50%. Preventive care practices for eyes, kidneys, and feet Detecting and treating diabetic eye disease with laser therapy can reduce the development of severe vision loss by an estimated 50% to 60%. Comprehensive foot care programs can reduce amputation rates by 45% to 85%. Detecting and treating early diabetic kidney disease by lowering blood pressure can reduce the decline in kidney function by 30% to 70%. Treatment with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are more effective in reducing the decline in kidney function than other blood pressure lowering drugs. Related Topics: What is Diabetes? Types of Diabetes Complications of Diabetes Prevention of Diabetes Insulin Devices Alternative Therapies Prediabetes Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| This fact sheet
describes how the different types of diabetes are treated. Additional
details about the symptoms, diagnosis, and causes of diabetes can be found
via the links at the bottom of this page. If you are currently
experiencing diabetic symptoms, be sure to consult your physician as soon
as possible. |
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| This document is
provided solely for educational and informational purposes. Be sure to consult your doctor before making any major medical decision. |
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