In Type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to make insulin in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body is unable to process glucose (blood sugar), which the body needs for energy. As a result, all people with Type 1 Diabetes need to take insulin.

Most people get Type 2 diabetes as adults. This type of diabetes, if diagnosed early, or in the stage known as pre-diabetes, may be treated with diet and exercise. If a healthy lifestyle fails to regulate the body, pills to help you lower your blood sugar may be taken. If the pills do not treat the condition, you may need to take insulin. Ask your doctor for more information.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly helps people with diabetes manage their condition. A healthy lifestyle may be augmented with diabetes medicines to lower blood glucose.

For those who use insulin medication to regulate their blood sugar, bear in mind that you should check your blood glucose levels several times a day. (Your doctor will work with you to create a schedule.) Be sure to contact your doctor if the levels are too low for more than a few days in a row.

You and your healthcare professional can work together to find the best diabetes plan for you.

Resources/Sources:  

Health Simple - BodyBuddy

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH.

KidneyResource.com

American Diabetes Association

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Children with Diabetes

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