Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
With the discovery of insulin in 1921 and the understanding of how the body uses it to move glucose into cells for energy, the ability to control the effects of diabetes finally came true. People diagnosed with it usually died within a few years. Insulin has provided diabetics with a way to manage the disease for the long term, but it is not considered a cure for the disease. Sufficient progress has been made to enable people with type 1 diabetes to live long and productive lives. Insulin, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are all part of a successful treatment plan. Blood glucose meters allow diabetics to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and make necessary adjustments to their insulin and nutritional needs.
A lab test called
A1C is used several times a year to monitor blood sugar levels over time. The A1C test will give you an average blood sugar level for 2-3 months.
Type 2 diabetes is a little different than his type 1 diabetes, it’s more of a lifestyle disease than an inherited disease, so it’s treated a little differently. Due to the obesity epidemic, more and more people are being diagnosed with this form of the disease. A healthy diet and exercise routine with the primary goal of weight loss and blood sugar testing are the primary management tools. It can also be combined with oral medications or insulin, depending on the patient’s needs.
All adults with diabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease and stroke are her cause of death in 65% of all diabetics. This is why treatment of this disease is so important. It does more than just monitor your blood sugar. Blood pressure and cholesterol should also be tracked and managed with diet, exercise and medication as needed.
Diabetics are ultimately responsible for managing this disease. By monitoring your blood sugar levels throughout the day, you can prevent your blood sugar levels from going too high or too low — conditions known as hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, both of which are extremely dangerous.
Another cog in the diabetes management tree is the general practitioner. This family doctor helps patients learn how to manage their condition and monitor how well their treatment plans are working. GPs can also refer diabetics to a variety of specialists who can help them keep their condition under control.
This could be an endocrinologist who specializes in treating diabetes. Nutritionists and nurses who specialize in caring for people with diabetes can also be valuable resources. Podiatrists, foot care physicians, and ophthalmologists also play an important role in managing the effects of diabetes.
Pregnant women with any type of diabetes should be evaluated by an obstetrician who specializes in the care of women with diabetes. This is also the case for gestational diabetes. A pediatrician with experience in caring for people with diabetes should also be present during labor.
Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels within normal limits is the ultimate goal of diabetes treatment. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducted a large 10-year study called the Diabetes and Complications Trial (DCCT) that ended in 1993. They found that bringing blood sugar levels closer to normal significantly reduced the likelihood of serious complications from diabetes.
The key to successful diabetes management is following the diet, exercise, and medical management plan outlined by your diabetes health team. Controlling blood sugar levels is essential for a long and healthy life.
