Treatment Basics

At this point you should have a working knowledge of diabetes. It should be clear that those with diabetes are characterized as having abnormally high blood glucose levels and that there are different forms of diabetes. The main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is in the treatment: People with type 1 diabetes require treatment with an external source of insulin, and those with type 2 diabetes are typically treated initially with a modification of their diet and exercise habits because exercise can make the body more sensitive to insulin (Devlin 1992). However, some people with type 2 may require medication to help them produce more insulin or to make them more sensitive to it (see table 1.2). Some with type 2 may even require injections of insulin to control their glucose levels. Using exercise as a treatment for type 2 diabetes is the focus of this book. I discuss important issues concerning the use of exercise in the treatment of type 1 diabetes as well.

The main goal of treating diabetes is to prevent complications of the disease. Many studies have shown that keeping the blood glucose at normal levels can be effective in eliminating the symptoms and slowing or preventing the potentially devastating complications associated with diabetes. We will discuss these complications in more detail in the following chapters.

How many times have you heard someone say, just eat right and exercise - If it were as easy as it sounds, type 2 diabetes would not be nearly as common as it is. But eating right and exercising are not easy. Most of us do not even understand what "eating right" is. Our society inundates us with advertisements that encourage us to eat more. When was the last time that you were at a fast-food drive-up window and the attendant asked you if you'd like to decrease the size of your value meal?

Table 1.2 Treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

The most common excuse that I hear is, "I do not have time to exercise."-Typically, this response comes from a person who does not understand how useful exercise can be in treating the condition. It is well known that exercise can improve almost anyone's health. People who have type 1 diabetes can benefit from exercise as well. But for someone with type 2 diabetes, exercise is a major component of treatment and in many cases may prevent the disease. The addition of physical activity to your life may be the only treatment you need for your diabetes.

You now have a good foundation of knowledge about your disease, which will help you understand the steps to creating your action plan for healthful living.

ACTION PLAN: Understanding diabetes