To treat diabetes, of any type, it is necessary to use antidiabetic medications that help reduce blood glucose levels, 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, as in this type of diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce this hormone. In type 2 diabetes, it is possible to use different types of antidiabetics, which can be combined, as a way to reduce blood glucose levels. Understand what causes and how to differentiate the types of diabetes.
Furthermore, in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it is recommended to follow a special diet, with adjustments in the amount of calories and glucose, in addition to performing physical exercises, such as walking, dancing or cycling, for example, as they cause there is better uptake of sugar in the blood, as well as greater sensitivity of the body to insulin.
Treatment with medicines
There are different types of medicines, known as antidiabetics or hypoglycemics, used to treat diabetes. The medicine used is chosen by the doctor, according to the type of diabetes, and also other characteristics of the patient, such as weight, diet or financial possibilities, for example.
1. Treatment for type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, cells in the pancreas are unable to produce insulin, which leads to the accumulation of glucose in the circulation. Therefore, the main form of treatment consists of applying doses of synthetic insulin, daily, so that this hormone does its job of taking glucose from the blood to the body’s tissues.
There are different types of insulin, divided according to their speed of action, which are slow, intermediate, fast or ultra-fast action. Generally, the doctor combines 2 types of insulin, applied approximately 1 to 3 times a day, sometimes more, so that its action is as similar as possible to the insulin produced in the body. Check out the types of insulin, their characteristics and how to apply.
To control diabetes, it is also important to check your blood sugar level daily using reagent strips and a glucometer. Health centers offer free insulin, syringes, needles and strips needed to control diabetes. You can find out about this subject at the health center closest to home.
2. Treatment for type 2 diabetes
It is usually done with antidiabetic medications that can act either by increasing the production of insulin in the pancreas, improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin, decreasing the production of glucose by the body or even decreasing the absorption of glucose from food.
Some of the main examples of these medications are Metformin, Glibenclamide, Gliclazide, Acarbose, Pioglitazone or newer ones such as Vildagliptin, Sitagliptin or Exenatide, for example. These remedies are usually taken 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the type and severity of the disease. See more about the differences in: Medicines for diabetes.
Generally, treatment begins using only 1 of these medications and then the doctor assesses the need for a combination of others, including insulin, which becomes necessary as the disease worsens over the years.
3. Treatment for gestational diabetes
The treatment of gestational diabetes is guided by the obstetrician and endocrinologist, and the main form of treatment consists of a low-carbohydrate diet and regular moderate physical exercise.
However, in more serious cases where the amount of sugar in the blood is much higher than expected, the doctor may advise the use of oral antidiabetics, such as Metformin or Glibenclamide, or even Insulin.
Gestational diabetes is detected after 22 weeks of gestation, and arises due to dysfunctions in the production and action of insulin in the body, in women during this period. See more about what causes it, how to identify and treat this type of diabetes.
Natural Treatment Options
In addition to following the doctor’s recommended medication instructions, some natural tips include using flaxseed, passion fruit peel flour and drinking orange juice regularly as these foods help control blood sugar levels. See a great home remedy for diabetes.
In addition, attention should be paid to lifestyle changes, which include diet control and physical exercise.
1. Diabetes diet
The diabetes diet should be guided by an endocrinologist, nutritionist or nutritionist, respecting the individual’s age and lifestyle. General dietary recommendations for diabetes are:
- Eat every 3 hours;
- Consume diet foods;
- Eat more fiber and cereals;
- Avoid saturated fat, such as red meat, and simple carbohydrates, such as rice and potatoes;
- Drink plenty of water;
- Avoid all types of sugar and sweeteners.
Following these dietary rules prevents the complications of diabetes, such as diabetic neuropathy, kidney and eye impairment and poor healing. Find out more in: Diet for diabetes.
2. Exercises for diabetes
Aerobic exercises are the most recommended for those with diabetes, and some examples are walking, running, dancing, cycling, swimming or rowing, for example. Resistance and muscle strengthening exercises should also be performed, as increasing muscle mass improves insulin sensitivity.
Exercises must be performed daily or at least 3 times a week, never remaining more than 2 days without practicing. Moderate to high intensity exercises, if approved by the doctor, are most recommended, however, care must be taken to adjust medication doses to avoid hypoglycemia.
