- Treatment with medicines
- 1. Treatment for type 1 diabetes
- 2. Treatment for type 2 diabetes
- 3. Treatment for gestational diabetes
- Natural treatment options
- 1. Diet for diabetes
- 2. Exercises for diabetes
For the treatment of diabetes, of any kind, it is necessary to use antidiabetic drugs that help to lower blood glucose levels, such as Glibenclamide, Gliclazide, Metformin or Vildagliptin, for example, or even the application of the synthetic Insulin itself.
In type 1 diabetes, it is always preferable to use insulin, because 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 decrease blood glucose rates. Understand what causes and how to differentiate the types of diabetes.
In addition, 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 physical exercise, such as walking, dancing or cycling, for example, because they make there is a better uptake of blood sugar, as well as a greater sensitivity of the body to insulin.
Treatment with medicines
There are different types of drugs, known as antidiabetics or hypoglycemic agents, used to treat diabetes. The medicine used is chosen by the doctor, according to the type of diabetes, and also with other characteristics of the patient, such as weight, food 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 part of bringing glucose from the blood to the tissues of the body.
There are different types of insulin, divided according to their speed of action, which are those of slow, intermediate, fast or ultra-fast action. Generally, the doctor combines 2 or more types of insulin, applied about 1 to 3 times a day, so that its action is as similar as possible to the insulin produced in the body. Check out what are the types of insulin, their characteristics and how to apply.
For the control of diabetes it is also important to check the blood sugar level daily using the reagent strips and the glucometer. Health centers offer free insulin, syringes, needles and strips needed to control diabetes. You can find out about this at the nearest health center.
2. Treatment for type 2 diabetes
It is usually done with antidiabetic drugs that can act both 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 in the diet.
Some of the main examples of these remedies are Metformin, Glibenclamida, Gliclazida, Acarbose, Pioglitazona or the newer ones like Vildagliptina, Sitagliptina or Exenatida, for example. The ingestion or application of these remedies is usually done 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the type and severity of the disease. See more about the differences at: Remedies for diabetes.
Generally, treatment is started using only 1 of these drugs 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 the endocrinologist, and the main form of treatment consists of a diet low in carbohydrates and regular practice of moderate physical exercise.
However, in the most severe 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 guidelines, some natural tips include using flaxseed, passion fruit peel flour and drinking orange juice regularly because these foods help control the blood sugar level. See a great home remedy for diabetes.
In addition, attention should be paid to changes in lifestyle, which include diet control and physical exercise.
1. Diet for diabetes
The diabetes diet should be guided by a nutritionist or nutritionist, respecting the individual's age and lifestyle. The general dietary recommendations for diabetes are:
- Eat every 3 hours; Consume diet foods; Eat more fiber and cereals; Avoid saturated fat and simple carbohydrates such as red meat, rice and potatoes; Drink plenty of water; Avoid all types of sugar and sweetener.
Following these dietary rules avoids the complications of diabetes, such as diabetic neuropathy, impaired kidneys, eyes and poor healing. Learn more at: Diabetes Diet.
2. Exercises for diabetes
Aerobic exercises are the most suitable for those who have 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 should be performed daily or at least 3 times a week, never staying more than 2 days without practicing. Moderate to high intensity exercises, if approved by the doctor, are more recommended, however, care should be taken to adjust the doses of the drugs, to avoid hypoglycemia.
Watch the following video and see the exercises that improve the diabetic's life:
