Understanding Diabetes Treatments: Insulin, Diet, and Lifestyle

Diabetes is a medical condition that results in high blood sugar levels. Insulin is necessary for the lowering of blood sugar levels and, therefore, is often a component in diabetes treatment.

Fiber Content

• Eating high-fiber foods with all meals helps to slow the absorption of sugars, ensuring a more regulated blood glucose rise.

Small Meals

• Eating a small and healthy meal will help to keep blood sugar increases to a minimum, which is the goal for a diabetic.

Sugar Avoidance

• Sugar, white bread and other refined carbohydrates will cause an instant rise in blood sugar and should be avoided by a diabetic.

Exercise

• Exercise forces the body to use some of the sugar in the blood for energy, which naturally lowers blood glucose levels.

Insulin

• While diet and exercise changes can improve the condition of a diabetic in some cases, many diabetics will need to use insulin injections in order to lower their blood sugar. The dosage is carefully calculated by a doctor, based on diet, exertion and personal body chemistry.