| All people with
diabetes need to control their condition with proper diet and
exercise. They also need to take glucose readings so they can keep
their blood sugar level under control. You can read more about those
activities in the section on Lifestyle Issues and Prevention.
Type 1: People with Type 1
diabetes all take insulin, which is the hormone they are lacking.
You will have to take injections (shots) every day or wear an
insulin pump that controls the flow of insulin into your body.
If you take insulin for Type 1
diabetes, you should:
Take your insulin every day, as directed. Take your insulin, even if
you don't feel well or are sick. If you have any questions, contact
your doctor immediately.
Eat at the same time and eat the
same amount of food every day, if possible.
Never skip meals, especially if you
have taken an insulin injection, because your blood sugar may drop
too low.
Monitor your blood glucose levels
regularly, as your doctor recommends.
Remember that insulin must be
balanced with a good diet and exercise.
Learn the good places on your body
for injections, and ask your doctor or nurse to check your skin
where you give your injection for any problems.
Always use your own needles and
travel with your own needles and insulin.
Keep extra insulin in your
refrigerator in case you break the bottle you are using. Keep your
insulin out of bright light, out of the freezer, and out of very hot
places.
Type 2: Because your body does not make enough insulin for your
needs, you may have to take insulin or other medication. If you take
insulin or other medication for diabetes, you should:
Know how often to take your
medication and stick to the schedule.
Tell your doctor if these pills
make you feel bad or if you have any other problems.
Remember that the pills don't lower
blood sugar without your help. You still need to eat right and get
exercise.
Know that sometimes you may need to
have insulin injections, especially if you become sick,
hospitalized, or pregnant. You may need to start insulin if your
pills are not able to lower you blood sugar insufficiently.
Try to lose some weight, because
losing even a small amount of weight can help to lower your blood
sugar. You may even be able to stop taking medication if your body
can gain control through weight loss.
More treatment
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