Treatment of Diabetes

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Although diabetes cannot be cured, you can control the symptoms and help to prevent health problems later on in life.

It is important to diagnose diabetes as early as possible so that you can start treatment. If you are having symptoms you should see your GP as soon you can.

Type I diabetes

If you have type I diabetes, you will need to take regular insulin injections for the rest of your life to keep your glucose levels normal. Insulin injections can be taken using a syringe or an injection pen. Most people need either 2 or 4 injections a day and your GP or diabetes nurse will teach you and/or a friend or relative how to inject the insulin properly.

A new device for delivering insulin without using a needle is now available on the NHS. It works by forcing a very small stream of insulin through a nozzle placed against the skin. The insulin travels at such high speed it goes through the skin. This device, is called the insulin jet system and can be used on the stomach, buttocks and thighs.

You will need to keep an eye on your glucose levels. This can be done at home using a simple blood test or a urine test. Your GP will talk to you about your ideal glucose level as it varies between people, and varies throughout the day. The normal level is between 4 and 7 mmol/l before meals, and less than 10 mmol/l two hours after meals. Mmol/l means millimols per litre, it is a way of measuring the different parts of the blood.

You should also make sure you have a healthy diet and take regular exercise because this will help to reduce the level of glucose in your blood.

Type II diabetes

You can usually control type II diabetes by making changes to your diet (see prevention) and losing weight if you are overweight. Some people with type II diabetes need to take tablets or insulin injections as well as making changes to their diet.

If you have diabetes, you need to keep a regular check on your glucose levels. This can be done by a blood test or a urine test.

Regular check-ups

You will need to see your GP for regular check ups to see how well you are managing the symptoms of your diabetes. You will have regular blood tests and blood pressure tests. Your GP will also need to regularly check your eyes, feet and nerves because these can be affected by diabetes (see complications).Your GP will also refer you to a dietician who will be able to give you advice on keeping up a healthy lifestyle.