by Doreen Martel

Created on: February 06, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2012

Diabetic patients will need to work constantly with their health care professional to guarantee their long-term health. Patients will require a long-term treatment plan that works for them. Diabetes patients who are left untreated, run the risk of many other health issues that can stem from uncontrolled blood sugar levels.   Diabetes treatments are not the same for all patients although all treatments have the same goal in mind, keeping your blood sugar in check.

Insulin dependent diabetes (Type 1) generally is diagnosed early in life. For those patients, exercise and diet along with prescribed insulin injections will likely be part of your long-term treatment plan.  For those who have non-insulin dependent diabetes (Type 2), not only will diet and exercise be required, but you must be monitored for other problems.

Type 2 Diabetes can create other issues

While neither form of diabetes is without other health implications, Type 2 has certain dangers that are critical to understand. Type 2 Diabetes means that your body may be unable to process the insulin that it creates. This can lead to requiring a change in treatment plans to make sure that the body continues to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Treatments options vary

There are multiple treatment options for either type of diabetes. While oral medication may work for some people, there are also insulin injections (which may now be provided through the use of a pump) which may prove more effective for some patients.  Side effects from oral medication can range from simple upset stomach to a more threatening low blood glucose level, which must be addressed as quickly as possible.  Whatever treatment options your physician recommends, it must be adhered to carefully.

Exercise and medications

It is important to discuss with your physician how your exercise plan impacts your diabetes medication. In some cases, you may need to increase or decrease your medication on days where you exercise heavily or do not exercise at all. Both of these factors may have an impact on how your medication works.

Know your risk factors

It is important that you understand all of the potential risk factors for diabetes related problems. In addition you should understand how your treatment plan will affect those risk factors, including diabetic retinopathy, heart disease and other ailments.

Patients who have diabetes must work closely with their health care professional to manage their diabetes. Failing to do so can have a negative impact on your overall quality of life. Understanding how to treat your diabetes using a combination of diet, exercise and medication will help you stay healthier.

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