Diabetes treatment

To manage diabetes successfully, treatment plans typically include:

• Medical treatment: insulin for type 1 diabetes or oral/combination therapies for type 2
• Blood sugar monitoring: regular testing helps you understand patterns and avoid dangerous spikes or drops⁴
• Lifestyle adjustments: a balanced diet, physical activity, and stress management
• Ongoing support: diabetes education and routine care from a healthcare team⁴

Importantly, diabetes care is not one-size-fits-all, and working closely with your doctor and healthcare team is essential. A good treatment plan evolves in response to changes in your body, lifestyle, and medical advancements⁵. Regular check-ups ensure that your plan stays effective and appropriate.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means the body can no longer produce insulin - a hormone essential for moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy, which may include using insulin pumps, to survive and manage their condition¹.

• Multiple daily injections (MDI): a combination of rapid-acting and long-acting insulin
• Insulin pump therapy: delivers insulin continuously throughout the day via a small wearable device

Newer technologies like hybrid closed-loop systems (also known as artificial pancreas systems) automatically adjust insulin delivery based on real-time glucose readings, improving control and reducing the burden of constant monitoring⁶.

• Blood glucose monitoring: using finger-prick tests or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to stay within target range⁴
• Nutrition planning: especially carbohydrate counting to dose insulin accurately
• Regular physical activity: helps regulate blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity
• Stress and illness management: as both can significantly affect blood glucose levels
• Diabetes education: empowers individuals to make confident decisions about food, insulin dosing, and activity⁷

With the right tools and support, people with type 1 diabetes can lead vibrant, healthy lives and participate in all the things that matter most to them.

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition in which the body experiences insulin resistance or does not produce enough to maintain healthy glucose levels. It is far more common than type 1 and is often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical inactivity, and weight loss to manage diabetes⁸.

• Adopting a balanced diet: focus on whole, minimally processed foods
• Engaging in regular exercise: especially aerobic activity and resistance training
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol: supports heart health and better glucose control

• Metformin: usually the first-line treatment; decreases glucose production in the liver
• SGLT2 inhibitors: help the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine
• GLP-1 receptor agonists: slow digestion and increase insulin release after meals
• DPP-4 inhibitors: prevent breakdown of incretin hormones that lower blood sugar
• Sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones: stimulate insulin release or improve insulin sensitivity
• Insulin: may be required if oral medications no longer provide sufficient control⁹

These medications can be used alone or in combination, and your treatment may need to change over time based on your body’s response.

Living with type 2 diabetes requires ongoing monitoring and a willingness to adapt your treatment plan. HbA_1c tests, blood pressure checks, cholesterol management, and kidney function screenings are all essential parts of long-term care.

When it comes to diabetes, your daily choices play a powerful role in managing the condition or reducing your risk of developing it. Lifestyle modifications are not just helpful - they're often the most critical part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Here are key lifestyle changes that support effective diabetes management:

• Focus on whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats
• Reduce intake of added sugars, highly processed foods, and refined carbs
• Learn portion control and consider working with a dietitian for personalised advice

• Manage your diabetes with exercise and aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week (e.g. walking, cycling)
• Include strength training to support metabolism and muscle mass
• Even small increases in movement like taking the stairs can help¹⁰

• Losing 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control
• Weight loss has even been shown to put type 2 diabetes into remission in some cases¹¹

• Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, a major complication of diabetes
• It can also impair blood flow and slow healing

• Alcohol can cause unpredictable blood sugar swings
• If you drink, do so in moderation and never on an empty stomach

• Chronic stress can raise blood glucose levels
• Try mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, yoga, or speaking with a counsellor

• Tracking how your body responds to different meals, activities, or medications helps fine-tune your care
• Use CGMs or traditional blood glucose monitors as advised

• Take medications as prescribed
• Attend regular check-ups and screenings
• Keep a record of your blood glucose levels and symptoms

Making even small, consistent changes can lead to major improvements in how you feel and how well your diabetes is managed.

Medication is a key part of treatment for diabetes, especially when lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient on their own. However, it’s not just about taking a pill or injecting insulin - it’s also about using a glucose meter, understanding how much insulin you need, how your treatment works, and how it fits into your life.

No two people experience diabetes the same way. That’s why it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare professional, doctor or diabetes care team. Your treatment should reflect your:

• Type of diabetes
• Age and health status
• Lifestyle and routine
• Personal goals and preferences

To make the most of your appointments, consider asking:

• What does this medication do, and how does it work?
• How should I take it, and what time of day is best?
• Are there common side effects I should be aware of?
• How will it interact with other medicines I’m taking?
• Do I need to change my diet or monitor my blood sugar more closely?

If something isn’t working, don’t hesitate to speak up. Side effects, affordability, and lifestyle fit are all valid concerns - and alternative options may be available.

In addition to standard care, some people explore diabetes alternative treatments as well as participate in clinical trials to complement their plan. These can include:

• Nutritional supplements like cinnamon, alpha-lipoic acid, or chromium
• Herbal remedies, such as fenugreek or bitter melon
• Mind-body practices, like yoga, tai chi, and meditation

While early studies suggest that some of these may help modestly lower blood sugar, the evidence is still limited. Always talk to your doctor before trying any alternative therapies, as they may interact with diabetic medicine or affect blood sugar unpredictably.

The future of treating diabetes looks promising with advances being explored, including

• Smart insulin pens and improved closed-loop insulin delivery systems
• Wearable health monitors for real-time feedback
• Cell-based therapies aiming to regenerate insulin-producing beta cells
• New drug classes that may reduce cardiovascular risk or offer longer-lasting effects¹²

These innovations offer hope for more precise, low-burden treatment approaches in the years ahead.

Start by learning about your condition and following your doctor’s advice. You can make a big difference by eating a healthy, balanced diet, staying active, and monitoring your blood sugar levels as recommended. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, manage stress, and take medications as prescribed. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can greatly improve your health and help manage diabetes effectively.

At first, giving yourself insulin may seem challenging, but most people quickly become comfortable with it. Your healthcare team will show you how to use the syringe, pen, or pump correctly and safely. With practice, insulin injections become a quick and simple part of your routine. Many find it less painful and intimidating than they expected.

Yes, many people around the world live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It’s one of the most common chronic conditions, including gestational diabetes and you're definitely not alone. Many individuals manage it successfully every day with support from healthcare providers, family, and peer communities. Connecting with others can provide encouragement, shared experiences, and practical tips, especially when considering family history in diabetes management.