There are many doctor-prescribed medications that can help relieve symptoms of the disease. There are also some prevention activities that will help reduce or prevent the symptoms.
MEDICATION
Insulin:
Insulin lowers blood sugar by allowing it to leave the blood stream and enter the cell. Everyone needs insulin. People with type I diabetes cannot make their own insulin and must take insulin injections every day to survive. People with Type II diabetes make insulin, but are not able to use it effectively. They can survive without insulin injections, but many may take insulin shots to more effectively control blood-glucose levels. Insulin must be injected under the skin using a needle and syringe, or in some cases, an insulin pump. Insulin is not available in an oral form.
There are several types of insulin preparations that differ in how fast they start to work and how long they work. Choice of the insulin type to use is made by a health care professional based on the patient's blood-glucose measurements. Sometimes the types of insulin will be mixed together to provide the best control of blood glucose. Insulin injections are usually needed from 1 to 4 times per day. People needing insulin are taught to give themselves their injections by their health care providers or diabetes educators referred by their providers.
Medications:
Medications (oral hypoglycemic agents) to control blood sugar are pills usually taken once or twice per day. These medications work by preventing the body from sending sugar into the bloodstream when insulin is not working properly, releasing more insulin into the bloodstream, and helping the body's own insulin move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. Some people need insulin in addition to oral medications. Some people no longer need medication if they lose weight because their own insulin works better without the extra weight, fat, and sugar.
Oral medications are not insulin and will not help a person who needs insulin.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular exercise is especially important for the person with diabetes. It helps control the amount of sugar in the blood and helps burn excess calories and fat to achieve optimal weight. Exercise improves overall health by improving blood flow and blood pressure. Exercise also increases the energy level, lowers tension, and improves the ability to handle stress.
Before people with diabetes begin any exercise program, they should obtain medical approval.
Exercise considerations:
Choose an enjoyable physical activity that is appropriate for the current fitness level.
Exercise every day and at the same time of day if possible.
Monitor blood-glucose levels by home testing before and after exercise.
Carry food that contains sugar in case blood-glucose levels get too low during or after exercise.
Carry a diabetes identification card and change for a phone call in case of an emergency.
Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar during and after exercise.
Changes in exercise intensity or duration may require diet or medication modification to keep blood glucose levels within an appropriate range.
