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Diabetes

• Overview
• Treatment

How is diabetes treated?
Once diagnosed with diabetes, treatment is life long. Good control of diabetes helps prevent long term complications. Fundamental aspects of diabetes control are diet, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, medication and continuing care.

Diabetes contol measures

Diet:
A healthy diet is essential to control diabetes. Consulting a doctor or dietician about dietary needs is essential, as is the need for a regular nutritious diet which aims to achieve the ideal body weight. The diet should reduce the amount of added sugar and fat, and increase the amounts of vegetables, fresh fruit and cereals. Meals should be regular and not skipped. Alcohol intake should be minimised and smoking should be immediately ceased.

Exercise:
Exercise may be simple such as a brisk walk, but should be regular. Exercise helps weight loss and diabetes control.

Medication:
Diabetes medications may be necessary in some people. This may be in the form of tablets or insulin. Insulin is only available by injection.

Monitoring blood glucose:
The level of glucose in the blood should be monitored regularly. This allows the doctor to make any necessary changes to the treatment.

Continuing care:
Regular visits to the doctor are an essential part of the routine of living with diabetes. There may be other health care providers who help manage diabetes. Good control helps to prevent the long term complications of living with diabetes.

Support:
Living with diabetes may be stressful for some people who may then need support from their family and friends. They may require professional help and their doctor can organise this.

Other lifestyle measures:
There are many other lifestyle measures that can help diabetes, such as good foot care. Education is vital to successfully manage diabetes.