Diabetes Treatment: How To Make The Best (and easy) Choice

Last Updated on October 11, 2024 by Alexander Sennuga

Find below a detailed discussion about diabetes treatment. Why is this topic important?

Diabetes Treatment

Each sort of diabetes above requires a special sort of treatment. Type 2 diabetes has the risk factors of an unhealthy diet, a poor lifestyle, and exercise.

Allow us to see the treatment options for type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Treatment Type 2

It’s best to first know the fundamentals of this sort of type 2 diabetes. This then enables one to treat or manage it. Conventional treatment includes the utilisation of medication, nutrition, and the control of stress. Others are exercise, and weight reduction (including bariatric surgery). It’s necessary to figure out the subsequent professionals doing these (1, 2, 3, 4):

• doctor
• registered nutritionist/dietitian
• certified diabetes educator

In the early stages of type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and exercise can bring blood sugar levels back to normal. This way, the disease does not progress very quickly. Holistic treatments are effective in preventing additional diseases.

It’s noteworthy that there are study reports here showing that the majority of type 2 diabetes is reversible. There’s strong evidence that the disease can enter remission if it’s well-managed.

Once you are diagnosed with this disease, it’s best to start monitoring your blood sugar,

Prediabetes Treatment

Prediabetes may be a condition of higher blood glucose than normal.  But the extent is, however, below the diagnostic level. This being the case, it is sensible to mention that the treatment goal is the following:

• Drive down the blood sugar level
• Prevent a situation of allowing it to progress to type 2 diabetes

What, then, are the required steps to realise this?

1. You want to consult with your doctor, for all the necessary medical advice.
2. Focus on making the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes.
3. You should check your blood sugar regularly, as advised by your doctor and/or healthcare team.
4. Eat only healthy foods and also seek advice from your registered dietitian/nutritionist.
5. Take interest in your blood pressure, cholesterol level, and body weight (BMI). Get the support of your healthcare team on these.
6. Research the topic of prediabetes and diabetes and get educated.

Diabetes Type 1 Treatment

Problem of Hypoglycemia

This can be fatal, and can lead to death in minutes! This is, for example, when there is no immediate help for the diabetic (sleeping alone at night).

Gestational Diabetes Treatment

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), about 18% of pregnant women develop high blood sugar.

This is gestational diabetes.

This figure may not seem too high, but there’s a potential consequence for the pregnant woman later. Same on the baby.

Why?

Medical scientists tell us that the subsequent can occur after the pregnancy:

• The mother may develop type 2 diabetes much later in life
• At birth, the baby is at risk of being very large, and can then cause a cesarean section
• The baby can develop type 2 diabetes later in life

The acceptable treatment of gestational diabetes is vital.

What then are the required steps to realize this?

The primary steps are to ensure the pregnant woman is on a healthy diet and engages in exercise. If these aren’t enough, the lady has to get on medication with the support of the doctor.

A Complete List of Diabetes Medications

Alternative Diabetes Treatment

There’s growing popularity of other remedies for diabetes nowadays. The explanations for this aren’t far-fetched, supported by the experience of diabetes patients. The following are the essential reasons:

1. Conventional medicine tends to focus on treating only the symptoms and not the root cause of the disease.
2. Medical prescriptions do cause side effects. These can cause other health issues for the patient down the road.
3. Medical costs, including repeat prescriptions, can be unaffordable in poor countries.  So, patients look for cheaper options.

Given these situations and other reasons, alternative medicine is becoming attractive. Additionally, natural/integrative/holistic intervention is also on the rise to tackle diseases like diabetes.

Use of Herbs

Take it or not, there is much news about the efficacy of some herbs in use to treat or manage type 2 diabetes. The most popular ones are cinnamon, fenugreek, and aloe vera.

But, as popular as they’ll be, it’s best to consult the doctor before their use for health purposes.

Natural Diabetes Treatment Methods (without drugs)

In the case of type 2 diabetes, a determined and focused patient can treat his disease without drugs. There is strong evidence of this. All it takes are intensive efforts to do and undo what’s necessary to make it happen. And down the road, some patients finally succeed in reversing the disease. In addition, many patients are ready to put it into remission, consistent with many reports.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting may be a time-resisting pattern of eating during which a time window is for eating. The remainder of the 24-hour cycle is going to be without food. It’s a versatile way of fasting, just like the 16:8 pattern. This suggests fasting takes place during the 16 hours of a cycle, and the eight-hour window for eating. Water, tea, or coffee, but any of them without added sugar or milk, is allowed.

The mechanism of intermittent fasting is the switching of energy sources from glucose in foods to fat within the body. Through this, the pancreas and therefore the digestive system of the body are less tasked. This leads to weight loss and, of course, improved insulin sensitivity for type 2 diabetes patients.

I’m trying it under my doctor’s supervision, and it’s working for me. My fasting blood glucose has dropped from 7.2 mmol/dL (130 mg/dl) to 5.3 mmol/dL (93 mg/dl) within 2 months.

If this practice continues to be a hit, I’ll adopt it permanently!

Conclusion

Knowing all the choices for diabetes treatment is important. This is often thanks to the ever-growing trend of diabetes cases worldwide. Type 1 diabetes treatment remains the utilization of insulin. This is the medical practice for now. But in the case of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, a healthy diet and, therefore, the right lifestyle are successful. Medical intervention may become necessary, however.

The recognition of other treatments is on the rise. These are the holistic, herbal, and natural approaches to treating type 2 in particular. But it’s best to consult the doctor before applying those measures.

FAQ

**Q: What are the common treatment options for diabetes?**
A: The common treatment options for diabetes include lifestyle changes, oral medications, insulin therapy, and dietary modifications. These treatment approaches are aimed at managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications associated with diabetes.

**Q: Can diabetes be managed without medication?
A: In some cases, diabetes can be managed without medication through lifestyle modifications. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, monitoring blood sugar levels, and managing stress can help control diabetes naturally.

**Q: What role does diet play in diabetes treatment?**
A: Diet plays a crucial role in diabetes treatment. A well-balanced diet can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight, and reduce the risk of complications. Foods rich in fiber, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are recommended, while sugary and processed foods should be limited.

**Q: Is insulin the only medication used for diabetes treatment?**
A: No, insulin is not the only medication used for diabetes treatment. There are various oral medications available, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and DPP-4 inhibitors, which can help lower blood sugar levels. The choice of medication depends on individual circumstances and the type of diabetes.

**Q: Are there any alternative treatments for diabetes?**
A: While there are no alternative treatments that can cure diabetes, some complementary therapies may help manage the condition alongside conventional treatment. These may include acupuncture, herbal supplements, yoga, and meditation. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative treatments.

**Q: How often should blood sugar levels be monitored during diabetes treatment?**
A: Blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly during diabetes treatment. The frequency of monitoring may vary depending on the type of diabetes, treatment plan, and individual circumstances. It is generally recommended to check blood sugar levels multiple times a day, especially before and after meals.

**Q: Can weight loss help in diabetes treatment?**
A: Yes, weight loss can be beneficial in diabetes treatment, particularly for individuals who are overweight or obese. Losing excess weight can improve insulin sensitivity, help regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

**Q: What are the potential complications of uncontrolled diabetes?**
A: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, eye problems, and foot problems. It is essential to manage diabetes effectively to minimise the risk of these complications.

**Q: Are there any specific dietary restrictions for diabetes treatment?**
A: There are no specific dietary restrictions for diabetes treatment. However, individuals with diabetes should aim for a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods. It is important to limit the intake of sugary foods, processed snacks, and high-carbohydrate meals to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

**Q: Is it possible to prevent diabetes through lifestyle changes?**
A: While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or prevented through lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco use, and managing stress can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Do you know of other methods not mentioned here to treat diabetes? Please share them in the comments section.

Very Important: Please note that all information we provide on this site is for educational purposes only. They are not for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. So, please consult with your doctor and/or registered dietitian or nutritionist for any professional advice. Do this before applying any of the information about your health issues.