Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

 TREATMENT 

The treatment of diabetes is intended to do the following:

 

·  Control blood glucose levels

 

·  Provide optimal nourishment for the client

 

·  Prevent symptoms and thus delay the complications of the disease

 

Treatment is typically begun when blood tests indicate hyperglycemia or when other previously discussed symptoms occur. Normal blood glucose levels (called fasting blood sugar, FBS) are from about 70 to 100 mg/dl.

 

Treatment can be by diet alone or by a diet combined with insulin or an oral glucose-lowering medication plus regulated exercise and the regular monitoring of the client’s blood glucose levels.

 

The physician and dietitian can provide essential testing, information, and counseling and can help the client delay potential damage. The ultimate responsibility, however, rests with the client. When a person with diabetes uses nicotine, eats carelessly, forgets insulin, ignores symptoms, and neglects appropriate blood tests, he or she increases the risk of developing permanent tissue damage.