TREATMENT OF DIABETES

Currently, type 1 diabetes is not preventable. However, studies have
shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented by adopting lifestyle
changesthat include eating a healthy diet and exercising.
In addition, some studies have shown that certain oral antidiabetes
medications may play a role in preventing the development of type 2
diabetes for people who are at high risk of developing it. Lifestyle
changes and medications may prevent approximately 30% to 60% of type 2
diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition, and it can last an entire life.The
goal of treating diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels as close to
a normal range as possible. This prevents the symptoms of diabetes and
the long-term complications of the condition. If you've been diagnosed
with diabetes, your doctor – working with the members of your diabetes
care team – will help you find your target blood glucose levels.
People with type 1 diabetes need insulin* continuously to survive.
There are three important things a person can do to treat type 2 diabetes:
*.make lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise
*.use medication
*.monitor blood glucose levels
As with many conditions, treatment of type 2 diabetes begins with
lifestyle changes, particularly in your diet and exercise. If you have
type 2 diabetes, speak to your doctor and diabetes educator about an
appropriate diet. You may be referred to a dietitian. It is also a
good idea to speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise
program to determine how much and what kind of exercise is
appropriate.