The main focus of managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels within normal range as much as possible. Since the 2 types of diabetes are different in severity, they are also managed differently.
People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong replacement therapy with insulin that needs to be injected, since their bodies can no longer produce it and their stomach cannot break down insulin forms that are taken by mouth (oral diabetes medications).
The majority of people with type 2 diabetes (80% to 90%) are overweight, and the effective way to get their blood glucose levels to normal ranges is by losing weight through proper, nutritional diet and exercise. People with diabetes will benefit greatly from consulting a dietician to help them develop a healthy diet and an exercise program.
Depending on the severity of the condition, people with type 2 diabetes may be put on oral diabetes medication and, in some cases, insulin injections.
It is also important to be aware of symptoms of abnormal blood glucose levels, and learn how to monitor your blood glucose levels with a glucose meter. This will prevent further complications, such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Other treatment and prevention goals are to stay educated about diabetes and to stay healthy to avoid long-term complications. Preventing long-term complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes involves proper
foot care, eye care, and skin care.