The treatment and management of diabetes often depend on the type of diabetes. In addition, treatment can depend on the patient's age, physical condition, other diseases, and lifestyle. Improvements in blood sugar levels can often result from weight reduction, an increase in exercise, and a more balanced diet. Smoking cessation can help to reduce cardiovascular disease risk for the diabetic.
For type 1 diabetes and more severe type 2 diabetes, medication may be required to control blood glucose levels. Some patients may require insulin injections, while others may take anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin and sulfonylureas. Others may require a combination of insulin and anti-diabetic drugs. Newer anti-diabetic drugs are also available, however, there are still many unanswered questions about their effects.
In addition, diabetics may require other medications to control specific symptoms or lower risks of cardiovascular disease. Such medications may include anti-hypertensives to lower blood pressure, anti-clotting drugs to prevent blood clotting, and statins to lower blood cholesterol levels.
