Diabetes Treatment

The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes is normally done on the basis of the onset of the symptoms like frequent urination, unusual thirst, hunger, sudden weight loss, weakness, extreme tiredness, blurred vision, irritability, extreme case vomiting and nausea. These symptoms worsen in a matter of weeks and by the time the blood tests are done almost 20 to 25 % of the patients start experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Till now Type I diabetes could only be treated with subcutaneous injections or inhalations of insulin and with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels using blood testing monitors. But, apart from these, a drastic change in lifestyle is also necessary. This change should incorporate exercise and a healthy diet. Along with these measures there are different experimental ways to inject insulin into the body, Some of them are:

1) Delivering insulin through a pump.
2) Infusion of insulin 24 hours a day at preset levels.
3) Ability to program a push dose of insulin as needed at meal times.
4) Taking insulin as an inhaled powder.

Diet also plays an important part in controlling blood sugar level and a balanced meal planning is a necessity too. Physical activity is very important for a diabetic person as it helps in keeping the person from gaining weight as well as stabilizes the blood sugar level.

As Type I diabetes is a chronic condition, treatment must continue indefinitely with lots of care and discipline. The blood sugar level should be between 80-120 mg per decilitre and if it falls below 80mg, Hypoglycemia occurs, needing immediate sugar to be taken and if it rises above 120 mg, Hyperglycemia occurs which should be immediately countered by an injection of insulin.