Diabetes Treatment: Regulating High Blood Sugar

Blood Glucose test strips are used to measure blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes treatment usually focuses on regular blood sugar testing and closely following a diabetic diet. While type 1 diabetes indicates the body is producing no insulin, type 2 diabetics usually have some natural insulin production.

Because of this, type 2 diabetes treatment doesn't usually involve insulin injections. However, if insulin levels are extremely low, insulin injections become necessary. More often, medication is prescribed to improve the body's ability to use its existing insulin. Controlling insulin levels is a vital part of diabetes management. Find out more at Regulating Insulin.

Keeping Informed: Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels

Monitoring for high blood sugar or low blood sugar levels usually involves blood glucose test strips (small pieces of specially treated paper) or electronic monitoring devices. A drop of blood, usually taken from a finger, is placed on a strip. The strip is then plugged into an electronic monitor. Or the strip reacts to the amount of glucose in the blood and changes color. The color can then be interpreted.

Playing it Safe

Emergencies happen, despite all attempts at diabetic control. You may find yourself in a situation where people need to know that you have diabetes, but you can't tell them. A medic-alert bracelet could save your life in such circumstances. Even a note in your wallet explaining that you’re diabetic, along with a list of any medications you're taking or are allergic to, could save your life in an emergency.

Compared to a blood sugar chart to determine whether low or high blood sugar levels are present. The blood sugar monitoring instruments, also known as meters, are considered more accurate and convenient than the older blood sugar charts. Choosing the right meter is an important decision.

The Diabetic Diet and the Nutritionist

Getting used to following a diabetic diet is difficult. Suddenly you're trying to count carbohydrates, calculate the effect on your blood sugar, and wondering if you can ever eat anything tasty again. The answer to the last concern is, "Yes, you can." Take the time to consult with a qualified nutritionist, and let the nutritionist design your diabetic diet. If you don't have access to a nutritionist, your doctor or clinic can supply brochures with dietary guidelines. Read the food labels on products you buy at the grocery store to determine the calorie, fat and carbohydrate contents of the foods you eat. Invest in a good diabetes cook book that helps you monitor food exchanges.