The options for type 1 diabetes treatment have improved greatly over the years. People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can expect a lifetime of disease management. However, with vigilant care, a longer, healthier life is possible as well.
Your responsibilities. With any disorder, the better you care for yourself, the better you will feel. With type 1 diabetes, this is especially important. Manage type 1 diabetes with these treatments you can do yourself. According to the Mayo Clinic, your aim is to keep blood sugar under control and close to normal, most of the time. Your doctor is a great resource for methods of integrating these treatments into your life. You can also seek advice and assistance from a registered dietician and diabetes counselors.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise lowers blood sugar levels.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight causes diabetes complications.
- Eat a varied healthy diet. A healthy diet will ensure the most normal blood sugar possible.
- Monitor blood sugar often. Knowing the levels of sugar in your blood can help you become aware of how certain foods affect you.
- Take insulin when needed. After monitoring blood sugar, any problems must be treated with insulin. You’ll need to have it on you at all times. There are several types of insulin. Your doctor will work with you to find just the right medication for you. Do not be worried about giving yourself insulin. Once you get used to giving the injection to yourself, it becomes a simple habit. You can chose fine needles, insulin pens and even an insulin pump that delivers the right amount of medication throughout the day.
Additional medications. Insulin is not the only medication that someone with type 1 diabetes may require. Others include:
- High blood pressure medication — ACE or angiotensin-converting enzyme in inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) help keep the kidneys healthy and lower blood pressure.
- Cholesterol medication — Even if you don’t have high cholesterol, your doctor may wish to begin a cholesterol-lowering drug due to the elevated heart disease risk.
