DIABETES TREATMENT | Kidney Chat

DIABETES TREATEMENT

Diabetes Treatment: Conventional and Natural Options

Diabetes treatment may include both natural and conventional options. Treatment depends on the type of diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2), as well as other factors such as age, the severity of the disease and other (related or unrelated) medical conditions.

Treatment of diabetes is most effective when the disease is detected early. A simple blood or urine test can provide early diagnosis. Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective treatment, which can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications. Additionally, other contributing risk factors such as obesity and high cholesterol levels can be addressed, to minimize the risk of other serious associated conditions, such as kidney disease.

Diabetes is one of the primary causes of kidney disease. Consequently, controlling blood sugar levels is an integral part of kidney disease treatment.

Natural Diabetes Treatment Options

The treatment of diabetes depends on the stage (severity) of the disease, the type of diabetes and whether there are any associated disorders. Each person's medical circumstances are likely to be different, hence the need to tailor diabetes treatment to suit individual requirements. Generally, though, treatment of diabetes tends to include some natural options.

Featured: Natural Diabetes Products

(Please Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase on Amazon

The following are some common natural treatments used in diabetes management and control.

Diet

Special attention must be given to the types and quantities of foods consumed by someone affected by diabetes. Diet plays a pivotal role in effective diabetes treatment, since the foods we consume have a direct impact on blood glucose levels. When healthy eating is combined with other healthy life-style practices (such as regular exercise), it provides enormous health benefits.

Each patient should have their diet tailored by a registered dietitian, to ensure that they are eating the foods that are most beneficial.

Exercise

Exercise is an essential element of diabetes treatment and control. Apart from helping to control blood glucose levels, there are many other health benefits of regular physical activities.

For persons affected by type 2 diabetes, exercise is directly beneficial to insulin cell receptors, which help to reduce insulin resistance. Additionally, exercise aids in weight loss, helps to lower high blood pressure and increases the efficiency of the cardio vascular system.

The benefits of regular exercise are enormous. Every diabetic patient should talk to his or her doctor about implementing an appropriate exercise program.

Alternative Treatments

Herbal treatment is the predominant alternative treatment for diabetes and other health conditions. Alternative treatments also tend to include dietary and lifestyle adjustments and food supplements.

Supplements may include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and Zinc, among others.

If you take oral medication and/ or insulin it is advisable to first check with your health care provider if you decide to use alternative remedies. Although herbal remedies tend to interact well with prescription and over-the-counter medicines, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before incorporating alternative medicines to supplement conventional treatment. This allows the doctor to assess the relative safety of the alternative treatment and to also monitor its effectiveness, over time.

Conventional Diabetes Treatment

Insulin

Individuals affected by type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily, since their body is unable to make its own.

This, however, is not the case with individuals who have type 2 diabetes.

Their bodies can produce insulin but cannot effectively use it. Sometimes, though, they may require an insulin boost to help keep their blood glucose level within the normal range.

Insulin must be administered by injection... It cannot be taken orally. The appropriate dosage and frequency with which insulin should be administered is determined by the patient's doctor.

Oral Medication

Sometimes, lifestyle adjustments (i.e. exercise, weight loss and diet modification) are not enough to adequately lower the blood glucose level.

When this happens, persons with type 1 diabetes usually require insulin treatment and those with type 2 diabetes may require oral medication (medication taken by mouth) and, in some cases, insulin medication.

Oral medication is a primary diabetes treatment for persons with type 2 diabetes. This helps their bodies to utilize insulin more efficiently. There are many different types of oral diabetic medications. The doctor will prescribe the one(s) he or she feels will be the most effective.

Whether you use conventional and/ or natural (alternative) diabetes treatment, it is important to remain disciplined and consistent. The long-term effects of diabetes can be significantly reduced with regular exercise, a healthy diet, regular blood glucose monitoring and regular medical consultations.