Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body uses glucose, a type of sugar. Glucose comes from the food we eat and is used by the body for energy. People with diabetes have too much glucose in their blood, because their bodies do not make or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells, where it can be used for energy.
Without proper management, life with diabetes can take a toll on you physically and mentally. Diabetics need the support of a primary care provider to help them navigate life with the disease and reduce the risk of complications. If you are thinking about what treatments are available to diabetics, you’ve come to the right place. Treatment is usually individualized, but we can discuss the aspects of diabetes management that are usually found in most treatment plans.
Diabetes Treatment Plan
The goal of diabetes treatment is to keep blood glucose levels under control. Lifestyle changes make a big difference in your blood glucose levels.
- Lifestyle Changes. A healthy diet that is rich in nutrients and low in fat, as well as regular exercise, helps keep blood glucose levels under control. An important goal with diabetes is to get down to a normal weight, since being overweight contributes to insulin resistance. A primary care doctor can help you plan your meals to ensure you are not missing out on key nutrients. They can also provide a tailored exercise plan to help you meet your health goals.
- Medication. Taking prescription medication is another way to manage diabetes. Most type 2 diabetes medications act on insulin, with some stimulating the release of insulin, and others increasing insulin sensitivity. Certain medications also inhibit the release of glucose from the liver and increase its storage as glycogen.
- Monitoring of blood sugar levels. One of the biggest changes in a diabetic’s schedule is the regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. This helps determine if your treatment is working and that you are meeting your glucose targets. You will need to check your blood glucose levels before and after eating or snacking, before and after physical activity, and if you are feeling unwell.
- Use technology for diabetes management. Technology can play an important role in managing diabetes—from tracking food intake and physical activity to monitoring blood sugar levels daily. Smartphones offer many apps that make living with diabetes easier than ever before and send reports to your primary care doctor.
