How is Diabetes treated?
Diabetes mellitus, commonly called diabetes, is a long-term condition in which the level of sugar in the blood is higher than normal. Treatment aims to keep blood sugar within a healthy range, so that the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and feet can be reduced.
The treatment depends on the type of diabetes. It usually combines medicines, regular monitoring of blood sugar and healthy lifestyle habits. Your doctor will tailor your plan to you, and it may change over time as your needs change.
Type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the body can no longer produce insulin. Treatment therefore replaces the insulin that the body is missing. Insulin must be taken every day to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
- Insulin delivery: Insulin can be given using a syringe, a pen or an insulin pump that delivers it continuously.
- A personalised plan: The type of insulin, the dose and the timing are tailored to each person, depending on blood sugar patterns, lifestyle and medical needs.
- Monitoring: Blood sugar is checked regularly using a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitoring system. This helps you adjust your insulin doses, food intake and activity.
- Food and exercise: A balanced eating plan, learning how different foods affect your blood sugar, and regular physical activity all play a part. Insulin doses often need to be adjusted around meals and exercise to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low.
Type 2 diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin effectively, or does not make enough of it. For many people, the first step in treatment is lifestyle change. If this is not enough, medicines are added.
- Lifestyle changes: Eating a balanced diet that is lower in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, eating more fruit, vegetables and whole grains, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active. Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and lowers blood sugar. In the early stages, these changes alone may be enough for some people.
- Medicines: If lifestyle measures are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medicines. These are summarised in the table below.
- Monitoring: You may check your blood sugar at home using a meter, while your doctor uses blood tests such as HbA1c to track your long-term control. Adjustments to your diet, exercise or medicines are often made based on these results.
Medicine for Diabetes
- Metformin: The most commonly prescribed medicine for type 2 diabetes. It helps the body use insulin more efficiently.
- Other Oral Medicines: Tablets that may improve how the body responds to insulin, reduce the amount of sugar absorbed from food, or increase insulin production.
- Non-Insulin Injections: Injectable medicines that may be used alongside, or instead of, tablets for some patients.
- Insulin: Required for all people with type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, it may be needed if blood sugar stays high despite other treatments
Monitoring Your Blood Sugar
- Blood glucose meters: A small drop of blood from a finger prick is tested to show your blood sugar at that moment.
- Continuous glucose monitoring: A small sensor tracks your glucose levels throughout the day and night.
- HbA1c blood test: This test reflects your average blood sugar over the past few months and shows how well your diabetes is controlled in the longer term.
Food and Physical Activity
- Choose a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains, and limit refined sugars and unhealthy fats.
- Be physically active regularly, as advised by your doctor. Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- A dietitian can help you plan meals that suit your needs and lifestyle.
Recognising Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycaemia, can occur in people who take insulin or certain diabetes medicines, especially if a meal is delayed or skipped, or after exercise. Signs include:
- Shakiness, sweating or a pounding heartbeat
- Hunger, dizziness or a headache
- Feeling irritable, anxious or unusually tired
- Blurred vision or difficulty concentrating
Recognising High Blood Sugar
When blood sugar stays high, you may notice:
- Increased thirst and a dry mouth
- Passing urine more often
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
Regular Checks to Protect Your Health
Over time, high blood sugar can affect other parts of the body. Regular checks help to detect problems early, when they are generally easier to manage.
- Eyes: High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels of the retina. Regular eye screening can detect changes before symptoms appear.
- Kidneys: Blood and urine tests show how well the kidneys are working.
- Feet: Diabetes can reduce sensation and blood flow to the feet. Regular foot checks help detect problems early.
- Heart and Blood Vessels: Blood pressure and cholesterol are monitored, as diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Living with Diabetes
- Take your medicines as prescribed: Do not stop or change your medicines without speaking to your doctor.
- Keep your appointments: Regular reviews allow your treatment to be adjusted as your needs change.
- Look after your feet: Check your feet daily, keep them clean and dry, and wear well-fitting footwear.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of complications.
- Care for your emotional wellbeing: Living with a long-term condition can be demanding. Speak to your care team if you feel overwhelmed.
