Diabetes type 1 and type 2 treatment facts
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Controlling blood sugar (glucose) levels is the major goal of diabetes treatment, in order to prevent complications of the disease.
Type 1 diabetes is managed with insulin as well as dietary changes and exercise.
Type 2 diabetes may be managed with non-insulin medications, insulin, weight reduction, or dietary changes.
The choice of medications for type 2 diabetes is individualized, taking into account:
the effectiveness and side effect profile of each medication,
the patient's underlying health status,
any medication compliance issues, and
cost to the patient or health-care system.
Medications for type 2 diabetes can work in different ways to reduce blood glucose levels. They may:
increase insulin sensitivity,
increase glucose excretion,
decrease absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract, or
work through other mechanisms.