Of course, the most basic part of a good treatment plan for diabetes includes a healthy diet and exercise. Since most people with type two diabetes are overweight, maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine will help to ward off more negative complications of the disease. But diet and exercise is often not enough to control more moderate to severe cases of type two diabetes, as well as type one diabetes –which often requires daily treatment—so there are other treatment options available.

Different Solutions

Oral medication may be given to people whose bodies still produce some insulin. These oral medications are not insulin and are also usually administered to people along with a recommendation for a healthy diet and exercise routine. These oral medications can include sulfonylureas, which works to stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. Biguanides are also forms of oral medication that work to improve insulin’s ability to move glucose into the body’s cells, especially the muscle cells. Meglitinides are other forms of oral medication that help to lower blood glucose by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Side effects of these oral medications can range from low glucose, upset stomach, and skin rash to weight gain and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Insulin is sometimes necessary for type two diabetics and is usually administered daily to type one diabetics. There are different forms of insulin available, from rapid and short acting to intermediate and long acting insulin. Pre-mixed insulin is also available. The drug can be injected under the skin, into the muscle, or into the vein. The abdomen is the source of fastest absorption, but patients will need to alternate injection sites to avoid complications. Side effects of insulin can include hypertrophy, which is a reaction to too many injections in one site of the body. Other effects can include rashes or they may vary according to the individual.

Some patients may need a constant supply of insulin, given by an insulin pump carried on the person. What you will need treatment-wise depends on the type and severity of your diabetes, so it is best to have a thorough consultation with your doctor when discussing treatment plans.

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