Diabetes is also known as diabetes mellitus and is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is treated with different medications that are in oral and intravenous form. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is treated by replacing the insulin that the body can no longer produce. Since people with this condition do not make insulin on their own, they must take it every day to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Insulin can be given through injections using a syringe, pen, or via an insulin pump that delivers it continuously. The exact type of insulin, dosage, and timing are tailored to each individual, depending on their blood sugar patterns, lifestyle, and medical needs.
Alongside insulin therapy, careful monitoring of blood sugar is essential. Patients regularly check their glucose levels using blood glucose meters or continuous glucose monitoring systems. This helps them adjust their insulin doses, food intake, and activity levels to keep blood sugar within a healthy range.
Diet and exercise also play an important role. People with type 1 diabetes are encouraged to follow balanced eating plans, learn how different foods affect their blood sugar, and incorporate regular physical activity, which can improve insulin sensitivity and overall health. However, insulin doses often need to be adjusted around meals and exercise to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low.
For many people, the first step in treating Type 2 diabetes is making lifestyle adjustments. This includes eating a balanced diet that is lower in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular physical activity is also important, as exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and lowers blood sugar. In some cases, these changes alone may be enough to control type 2 diabetes, especially in the early stages.
If lifestyle measures are not sufficient, medications may be prescribed. The most common is metformin, which helps the body use insulin more efficiently. Other oral medications or non-insulin injections may also be used to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce sugar absorption from food, or increase insulin production. For some patients, especially if blood sugar remains high despite other treatments, insulin therapy may be required.
Monitoring blood sugar levels is another key part of treatment. Patients may check their glucose at home using a meter, and healthcare providers will also use blood tests such as HbA1c to track long-term control. Adjustments to diet, exercise, or medication are often made based on these results.
