NextArticles.com » Disease-and-illness » Self-Treatment Options for Diabetics

---

Self-Treatment Options for Diabetics

Author: JuliaHanf Total views: 5 Word Count: 514

The day-to-day treatment regimen for diabetics is usually in their own hands. Regular doctor visits and periodic lab tests are necessary, but most treatment is the patient's responsibility.

Today, there are convenient and fairly pain-free methods to administer such treatment. These options are safe and reliable means of self-care and eliminate some of the burden of having diabetes.

Some cases of Type 2 diabetes can be treated almost entirely with diet and exercise. Many of these might actually be labeled pre-diabetes, a condition in which the blood glucose level is chronically elevated, but not to the degree of actual diabetes.

Most people with Type 2 and Type 1 must manage their glucose through treatment. Insulin is generally needed.

In the past, insulin had to be injected with a glass syringe. This was difficult; the injection site and needle had to be sterilized, before one could inject oneself. The dosage had to be measured. While this route was far better than suffering the ill-effects of diabetes, it was burdensome.

That option is still used in one form or another today, but there are also several other choices for contemporary self-care of diabetes.

Insulin Pens

Pre-filled insulin pens are a modern option. They inject insulin as a syringe does, but the dose is pre-measured and they are already sterile. The pens come in a variety of insulin formulas. They usually deliver 300 units, using an ink-cartridge style device, but they can be adjusted.

A knob on one end allows the user to select the correct dose, which then appears in a side-window. The needle is in the 'pen's' tip. The injection requires that the needle be merely placed under the skin, rather than finding a vein. Both the needle and the dose cartridge are then thrown away. Completely disposable versions are also available.

Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps are another option. The size of a thin cell phone, this relatively new device can be implanted under the skin, but most are external. Both kinds of pumps monitor the glucose level via a computer-controlled device and release insulin as needed. A cannula-tipped plastic tube, sometimes implanted in the abdomen, delivers the insulin.

The proper amount is delivered discontinuously 24-hours per day whenever the monitor senses insulin is needed. This method results in a very accurate and timely management of blood glucose level.

Other options are also being developed

Pills and Inhalers

Pills could be an easy way to take insulin, but stomach enzymes interfere with this method. Oral insulin delivery may be practical if newly-developed pill coatings can prevent insulin from being degraded.

Nasal insulin delivery is similarly problematic. Inhaling insulin irritates the nasal passages. Oral inhalers can cause mouth dryness and coughing, but they can get the job done. For some people, they are a good option.

Research is being conducted on more advanced treatment forms. Gene therapy and pancreas cell transplants to cure diabetes are some of the options. For now though, diabetics must settle for the newer insulin delivery devices, rather than a cure.

Download Hundreds of Complimentary Industry Resources
Get hundreds of popular Industry magazines, white papers, webinars, podcasts, and more; all available at no cost to you. With more than 600 complimentary offers, you'll find plenty of titles to suit your professional interests and needs. Click Here and Sign up today!

Sponsors

About the Author

Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.

---

Rating: Not yet rated

--Choose-- 0 1 2 3 4 5

Comments No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.

More articles in this Category

1: Top Medications for the Treatment of Acid Reflux
2: A Medical Alert Bracelet - It Can Save Your Life When You Travel
3: Lung Cancer - Go Ahead and Smoke!
4: When Friends Don't Understand Your Invisible Illness: What to Do
5: Valentines Romance Tips for Women with a Chronic Illness