If you are facing a future with diabetes, the idea can be intimidating. The good news is that there are diabetes treatment guidelines available for newly diagnosed individuals. Treatment guidelines for diabetes can help people with this disease stay on track and make the necessary changes to stay healthy.
The guidelines for diabetes treatment vary slightly depending on the type of diabetes you have been diagnosed with. There are two primary types of diabetes mellitus that affect the general population. These are type I and type II diabetes. There is a third type that affects pregnant women. This is called gestational diabetes. In order to understand the differences in the guidelines, it is important to understand the different types of diabetes.
Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile onset or insulin dependent, almost always requires insulin injections because the body does not produce adequate amounts of insulin on its own.
Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset or insulin resistant, is a condition that causes the body to be unable to absorb insulin properly.
Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy when a woman does not produce enough insulin to convert sugar to energy during pregnancy, or the body does not absorb insulin adequately. This condition can have affects on both the mother and the baby.
What are the Diabetes Mellitus Treatment Guidelines?
The ADA Diabetes Treatment Guidelines (American Diabetes Association) are a great resource for people diagnosed with any type of diabetes mellitus.
At this time, we will focus on the diabetes treatment guidelines for type I and type II. Gestational diabetes treatment guidelines will be discussed a bit later in this article.
Let’s start with the guidelines that all types of diabetes have in common. Regardless of the type of diabetes you are diagnosed with (including gestational), you will need to monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your physician. This is usually several times per day. Your physician will help you develop an action plan based on your blood glucose readings.
All types of diabetes also require a special diet. This diabetic diet is typically low in sugar and a bit higher in protein. Again, your physician will give you recommendations and possibly refer you to a dietician or specialist for assistance.
For type I and type II diabetes, you physician may recommend an exercise or activity program. This program will be based on your general health, your ability to perform physical activity, and your blood sugar spikes and drops. Keep in mind that blood sugar can drop drastically several hours after intense activity. Thus, be sure to talk to your physician about proper blood sugar monitoring after you work out.
Diabetes treatment guidelines for type I almost always require insulin injections in some form. Since the pancreas in your body is not producing enough insulin on its own, insulin has to be injected to convert sugar to energy. The other options for type I diabetics are insulin pumps or possibly a pancreas transplant.
Treatment guidelines for type II diabetes often times include an oral medication to help your body properly utilize the insulin the pancreas produces. Other recommendations will include maintaining a healthy body weight and controlling other chronic medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
What are the Gestational Diabetes Treatment Guidelines?
Gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed around the 24th week of pregnancy. This type of diabetes has consequences all its own. At this time, it is not know exactly what causes this, but scientists believe it has something to do with the hormones the placenta releases.
Guidelines for gestational diabetes are the same as for type I and type II with these exceptions. Consult your physician regarding the diet you are to follow. It is important that both you and the baby get the nutrients you need. Also, follow your physician’s recommendations regarding an activity program. In the case of high risk pregnancy, exercise may need to be modified or decreased.
Women with gestational diabetes may need to take insulin, oral medications, or both. Again, this will be prescribed by your physician. Your physician may also refer you to a specialist to follow you and the baby during pregnancy. Keep in mind that if you have had gestational diabetes once, the risk for having it during future pregnancies is a bit higher.
According to the American Dietetic Association, 18% of pregnant women suffer from this condition. Even with gestational diabetes, you can have a healthy pregnancy, delivery and baby if you control the diabetes well!
