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What Do You Take For Diabetes

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What Are The Side Effects Of Anti

Type 1 Diabetes: What You Need to Know

As with any type of medication, blood glucose-lowering drugs can have a number of side effects. These potentially harmful effects are listed in the patient information leaflet that accompanies the medication, so make sure you check this before starting your drug treatment.

You may not experience any of the adverse effects listed, but if you do, consult your doctor and/or diabetes care team as they may be able to suggest another suitable medication for your condition. They will also be help with any questions or concerns you have regarding your medicine.

Nutrition And Meal Timing For Diabetes

Eating a balanced diet is vital for people who have diabetes, so work with your doctor or dietitian to set up a menu plan. If you have type 1 diabetes, the timing of your insulin dosage is determined by activity and diet. When you eat and how much you eat are just as important as what you eat. Usually, doctors recommend three small meals and three to four snacks every day to maintain the proper balance between sugar and insulin in the blood.

A healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in your diet will help keep your blood glucose on target. How much of each will depend on many factors, including your weight and your personal preferences. Watching your carbohydrates — knowing how much you need and how many you are eating — is key to blood sugar control. If you are overweight, either a low-carbohydrate, low-fat/low calorie, or Mediterranean diet may help you get your weight to goal. No more than 7% of your diet should come from saturated fat, and you should try to avoid trans fats altogether.

Try to fill half your plate with nonstarchy vegetables such as:

  • Asparagus

In general, less-processed food is better. It has a lower glycemic index, which means it may have less of an effect on your blood sugar. For example, oatmeal from whole oats has a lower glycemic index than instant oatmeal.

How Long Is Safe To Go Without Insulin

If you take multiple injections of insulin daily, your long-acting basal insulin is never to be missed or forgotten. Even if you are sick at home and not eatingmeaning you dont need your usual rapid-acting, or bolus, insulin to cover your mealsyou still must take the long-acting basal insulin. In other words, its OK if you are taking less rapid-acting insulin while sick because this type of insulin is to offset food intake or correct high sugars. But your body needs the basal insulin to replace what your pancreas isnt making as a baseline level to keep your body running properly. It is not safe to go without it even for a day.

Insulin pumps work differently from multiple daily injection insulin regimens because they hold only rapid-acting insulin and deliver it continuously, much like a pancreas, which secretes small amounts of insulin a needed. If the infusion set that delivers the insulin to the body becomes kinked or cloggedor if it detaches from the pump without your realizing it, for example because the small cannula that sits below the skin didnt insert all the way into the pumpyou can run into a serious problem. Rapid-acting insulin lasts for four hours, so if no other action has been taken to change the infusion site, then within approximately six hours, you can be at risk for a life-threatening condition called.

Read Also: When Do You Get Type 2 Diabetes

When To Take Diabetes Medicines

There are a lot of different types of diabetes medicines available and you might be taking more than one type. If youre not sure when to take your medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist. And while it might be easier or more convenient to take all of your medicines at the same time, its important to realize that the action of your medicine may be very dependent upon when you take it. Also, be aware that not taking your medicines at times prescribed can put you at risk for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia . Heres a guide for when to take some of the common types of diabetes medicines:

Metformin: Take right when you start eating a meal to lessen the chance of stomach upset.

Glipizide: Take 30 minutes before a meal

Empagliflozin and dapagliflozin : Take with or without food

Canagliflozin : Take before the first meal of the day.

Exenatide : take within 60 minutes before meals.

Lixisenatide : take within 60 minutes before the first meal of the day

Dulaglutide , liraglutide , and semaglutide : take at any time of the day, with or without food

Alternative Medicine For Diabetes

Take Control of Your Diabetes

Vitamins and minerals

Alternative medicine should never be used alone to treat diabetes. But there are things you can do — in addition to medication, proper diet, and exercise — that may help control your blood sugar and prevent complications of diabetes.

Although chromium does have an effect on insulin as well as on glucose metabolism, there is no evidence that taking chromium supplements can help in the treatment of diabetes. But chromium is found in many healthy foods, such as green vegetables, nuts, and grains. Studies have suggested that biotin, also called vitamin H, when used with chromium, may improve glucose metabolism in people with diabetes. But no studies have shown that biotin by itself is helpful.

Vitamins B6 and B12 may help treat diabetic nerve pain if you have low levels of these vitamins and that is contributing to the nerve pain. But otherwise, there is no proof that taking these vitamins will help.

Vitamin C may make up for low blood levels of insulin, which normally works to help cells absorb the vitamin. Proper amounts of vitamin C may help the body maintain a good cholesterol level and keep blood sugar levels under control. But too much can cause kidney stones and other problems. Check with your doctor to see if a vitamin C supplement is right for you.

Magnesium helps control blood sugar levels. Some people with diabetes have a serious magnesium deficiency. Magnesium supplements, in this case, may improve the action of insulin.

Mind/body medicine

Don’t Miss: Can Diabetes Be Treated With Acupuncture

Read More About Diabetes

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THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

What Medicines Could My Doctor Prescribe

Many categories of diabetes medicine are available in pill form: metformin , sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, dopamine-2 agonists, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, sodium-glucose transporter 2 , dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and bile acid sequestrants. Each medicine has good points and bad points. Your doctor will decide which medicine is right for you.

Recommended Reading: Simple Diabetic Diet Meal Plan

Consider Talking To Your Doctor

If you think you’ve been doing all you can to keep blood sugar in control, but still have high blood sugar readings, it might be time to switch medication. Diabetes is a progressive disease, and over time, the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin can stop making the hormone. “So, even if your numbers have held steady for years, that could change if the beta cells change, which is usually a gradual change but can be sudden,” says Rice. “That change doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, it’s just the nature of the disease. The beta cells can only put out so much insulin, and over time they start to put out less.” Your doctor will look at the big picture and do additional testing to find out if there is a bigger problem.

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Why Building A Diabetes Care Team Is Critical For Effective Treatment

How to take care of your feet if you have diabetes by Dr. Venugopal Kulkarni | CARE Hospitals

Your first resource for managing your type 2 diabetes should be your primary care provider. Dungan notes that most patients with type 2 diabetes can rely on their primary care provider alone for treatment. But its important for people with type 2 diabetes to also stay up-to-date on diet and treatment recommendations by coordinating with a certified diabetes care and education specialist , a dietitian, a nurse, or a pharmacist, Dungan says. That education should occur at the time of diagnosis and periodically over time, such as after the start of insulin therapy, Dungan explains.

As for other healthcare professionals, Dungan notes that many diabetes clinics have dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, and mental health specialists on staff, all of whom can contribute to your diabetes management program.

Each patients needs will differ slightly, Dungan says. For instance, if you cant control your blood sugar with standard treatments or if you have frequent or severe hypoglycemia, you should consider seeing an endocrinologist, she says. If you develop complications, like heart disease, kidney disease, or foot ulcers, you may need to see specialists who can help with those conditions.

Each year, everyone with diabetes should see an eye care professional who has experience treating patients with diabetes, Dungan says.

Also Check: Pathophysiology Of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Think About What’s Going On

Irene Dunbar, 73, of Durham, N.C., woke up one morning recently to discover her blood sugar was at 119, which is high for her. “I had a cold and had had orange juice yesterday and I normally do not drink orange juice and I thought, ‘I better not do that,'” she said. When she gets a high blood sugar reading, she tries to remember if she had anything recentlylike breadthat she knows are triggers, and avoids them next time.

Personal Stories About Considering Insulin

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

My mom had diabetes. She had to give herself insulin shots, and it looked so messy and painful. I swore that it would never happen to me. Well, for 8 years now I’ve had type 2 diabetes. I feel like I’ve done everything I can at this point. I don’t really want to start insulin, but it’s more important to me that I stay as healthy as I can. I know that insulin can help me.

Jeff, age 48

A few years ago my doctor said I had type 2 diabetes. But I didn’t feel any different, so I didn’t do anything. Then a few months ago, my doctor reminded me what could happen if we couldn’t get my blood sugar under control. I got scared. So I’ve been eating better and checking my blood sugar, and so far, it’s working. My numbers are holding. I’m going to keep it up and see what happens.

When I found out I had diabetes, I really got motivated. I started walking every day, tried eating better, and lost about 20 kg . And I took a diabetes medicine. I was able to control my blood sugar for many years before it started creeping back up. Now I’m still pretty healthy, but my levels are out of control. Taking insulin is the next step.

Shannon, age 67

Mike, age 58

Also Check: When Is Insulin Needed For Type 2 Diabetes

Choose Your Diagnosis To Learn More

Diabetes Canada is your place to find everything you need to gain a deeper understanding of how to live a healthier life. Being newly diagnosed can be an intimidating experience but just know we have the tools and resources you need to succeed. Take action to live your best life. There are several types of diabetes. This section will help you understand your diagnosis and learn more about how to manage it.

Diet Exercise Weight Loss

Symptoms Of Diabetes : Do You Have It?

Though medications are important tools for blood sugar control, diet, exercise, restful sleep, and weight loss play a huge role in your diabetes management. Doctors often begin treatment of type 2 diabetes by recommending changes to what you eat, a focus on exercise, and safe ways to lose weight and increase fitness.

For some people, these changes are enough to get the condition under control without taking diabetes medication. If you do need medicine, these healthy habits are still an important part of your treatment.

You can start with simple changes like:

  • Picking up a new exercise habit, like a daily walk
  • Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks
  • Watching portion sizes
  • Eating meals that focus on vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats

Exercise can help your body use extra glucose. Getting to a healthy weight can help your body use less insulin. If youre carrying extra pounds, losing even a few can help you turn glucose into energy. Over time, you may also find you need less medication to manage your diabetes. That means fewer side effects and a greater sense of well-being.

Also Check: Does Medicare Part D Cover Insulin

Managing Glucose In T1d Once Had But One Treatmentinsulin

The first and primary medication given to someone with type 1 diabetes is insulin. This has been our standard approach to treatment since the discovery and development of exogenous or sythetically produced insulin in humans for more than a century. The two insulin options originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration to manage blood sugars in people with type 1 diabetes areinsulin and Symlin.

Insulin is the essential treatment to manage blood sugar in people with type 1 diabetes. There are many devices available to help you take insulin.

Treating T1D is all about the amount and timing of insulin, as well as the best way for you to get the right dose of this essential hormone to assure that the glucose circulating in your bloodis able to be properly absorbed by your body. Glucose is the main source of energy that your body uses to keep all key functions running properly.The trick is that in order for your body to properly take in and use blood glucose properly, insulin is required to make this reaction work.

Insulin was first successfully used in humans in 1922. Originally, it was made by extracting it from the pancreas of animals: dogs, cows, and pigs, specifically. But by 1978, insulin was created synthetically, or exogenously, meaning it is now made in the lab. You can read more about insulin.

How Do I Know If I Have Diabetes

Your doctor may suspect you have diabetes if you have some risk factors for diabetes, or if you have high levels of blood sugar in your urine. Your blood sugar levels may be high if your pancreas is producing little or no insulin , or if the body is not responding normally to insulin .

Getting diagnosed begins with one of three tests. In most cases, your doctor will want to repeat a test that is high in order to confirm the diagnosis:

  • A fasting glucose test is a test of your blood sugar levels taken in the morning before you have eaten. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher may mean that you have diabetes.
  • An oral glucose tolerance test entails drinking a beverage containing glucose and then having your blood glucose levels checked every 30 to 60 minutes for up to 3 hours. If the glucose level is 200 mg/dL or higher at 2 hours, then you might have diabetes.
  • The A1c test is a simple blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months. An A1c level of 6.5% or higher may mean you have diabetes.

Your doctor may also suggest a zinc transporter 8 autoantibody test. This blood test — along with other information and test results — can help determine if a person has type 1 diabetes instead of another type. The goal of having the ZnT8Ab test is a prompt and accurate diagnosis, and that can lead to timely treatment.

Recommended Reading: Latest News On Type 1 Diabetes Cure

Learn How To Live With Diabetes

It is common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry when you are living with diabetes. You may know the steps you should taketo stay healthy, but have trouble sticking with your plan over time. This section has tips on how to cope with your diabetes,eat well, and be active.

Cope with your diabetes.

  • Stress can raise your blood sugar. Learn ways to lower your stress. Try deep breathing, gardening, taking a walk, meditating, working on your hobby, or listening to your favorite music.
  • Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.

Eat well.

  • Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team.
  • Choose foods that are lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt.
  • Eat foods with more fiber, such as whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.
  • Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, bread and cereals, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.
  • Drink water instead of juice and regular soda.
  • When eating a meal, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with a lean protein, such as beans, or chicken or turkey without the skin, and one quarter with a whole grain, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Be active.

Know what to do every day.

Talk to your health care team.

  • Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your diabetes.
  • Report any changes in your health.

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