No matter which of the types of treatment for diabetes you choose, the goals of any treatment regimen should be the same. It should be the minimizing of blood sugar level elevation without causing abnormally low blood sugar levels. Depending on the type of diabetes the patient has and how far it has progressed before treatment begins, there are different levels of aggressiveness required. The types of treatment for type 1 diabetes has to include insulin, since by definition type 1 diabetes means the pancreas is unable to produce it. Exercise and diet control are also a component. But since only about 5% of diabetics are type 1, the variety of treatment options available is of most concern for those with type 2 diabetes.

 

Types of Treatments for Diabetes Type 2 Patients

 

In type 2 diabetes, it is best to use the least aggressive of the types of treatment for diabetes that can control and manage the disease. The least aggressive, in terms of drug use and possible side effects, is using natural methods to control weight, maintain a proper and nutritious diet, and get the right amount of exercise. Often, these methods will be enough, or can be combined with some of the other naturopathic methods, like herbal supplements and stress control to be enough to keep the blood sugar levels from going too high. If these don’t work for some reason, the next step for many is to try one of the pharmaceutical types of treatment for diabetes. This usually starts with oral medicines. Having to go to oral medications or even insulin doesn’t mean that diet and exercise can be ignored. No matter what other types of treatment for diabetes are used, diet and weight management, along with exercise will remain an important component to overall healthcare of the diabetic.

 

What Kinds of Oral Medications are Available?

 

Oral medications are one of the types of treatment for diabetes that is tried when natural methods are not working well enough but insulin isn’t required to be injected. They are designed to manage the disease in one of the following ways:

  • Increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas
  • Decrease the amount of glucose released by the liver
  • Increase the body cells response to insulin
  • Decrease the amount of carbohydrates the intestine absorbs
  • Slow the rate of the stomach emptying so the carbohydrates are not sent as quickly to the small intestine where they are absorbed.

 

If you can find a medication or combination that performs all or most of the functions above with a minimum of side effects, you have probably found the best types of treatment for diabetes in your case. Be as gentle as you can, with natural treatments being the most desirable. If neither natural alternatives nor a combination of oral medications keeps the blood sugar levels in check, you will need to go to the least desirable of all types of treatment for diabetes – insulin injection.

 

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