Learning Center

Diabetes 101 Alternate Site Testing Nutrition Tips Exercise and Diabetes Diabetes and Your Health Diabetes Facts Diabetes Tips Diabetes Glossary

Request FREE Info

Newsletter Signup

Want the best of DCC Connect delivered right to your inbox? Sign up below to receive our monthly newsletter!

What is the treatment for diabetes?

Healthy eating, physical activity and insulin injections/pumps are the basic therapies for type 1 diabetes. The amount of insulin taken must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose testing.

Healthy eating, physical activity and blood glucose testing are the basic therapies for type 2 diabetes. In addition, many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels. Many people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose by following a careful diet and exercise program, losing excess weight and taking oral medication.

People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care, and keep blood glucose levels from going too low or too high. People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will monitor their diabetes control and help them learn to manage their diabetes. In addition, people with diabetes may see endocrinologists, who may specialize in diabetes care; ophthalmologists for eye examinations; podiatrists for routine foot care; and dietitians and diabetes educators who teach the skills needed for daily diabetes management. Many people with diabetes also need to take medications to control their cholesterol and blood pressure.

Glucose control

Research studies have found that improved glycemic control benefits people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In general, for every 1% reduction in results of A1C blood tests (e.g., from 8.0% to 7.0%), the risk of developing microvascular diabetic complications (eye, kidney, and nerve disease) is reduced by 40%.

Blood pressure control

Blood pressure control can reduce cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) by approximately 33% to 50% and can reduce microvascular disease (eye, kidney, and nerve disease) by approximately 33%. In general, for every 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) reduction in systolic blood pressure, the risk for any complication related to diabetes is reduced by 12%.

Control of blood lipids

Improved control of cholesterol or blood lipids (for example, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) can reduce cardio-vascular complications by 20% to 50%.

Preventive care practices for eyes, kidneys and feet

Detecting and treating diabetic eye disease with laser therapy can reduce the development of severe vision loss by an estimated 50% to 60%. Comprehensive foot care programs can reduce amputation rates by 45% to 85%.

Diabetes self-management education is an integral component of medical care. Among adults with diagnosed diabetes, 12% take both insulin and oral medications, 19% take insulin only, 53% take oral medications only and 15% do not take either insulin or oral medications.

Related Topics

• What is Diabetes?
• What are the types of diabetes?
• What are the symptoms of diabetes?
• What is pre-diabetes?
• Who gets diabetes?
• Will my diabetes ever go away?
• Why should I self test?
• What is high blood sugar?
• What is low blood sugar?
• What are the risk factors for diabetes?