“The right initial diagnosis is important,” emphasizes Prof. Stephan Jacob. “A type 1 diabetic has to inject insulin. With type 2, there are various drug options.”
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Basic therapy
Exercise and a balanced diet are the be-all and end-all of diabetes treatment because both can bring the disturbed metabolism back into balance. “A healthy lifestyle helps save on medication,” says Prof. Jacob. With type 2, if you lose three to five kilos, you already drastically reduce your risk of developing complications such as a heart attack, kidney, eye or foot damage.”
Oral antidiabetics Treatment with tablets is only suitable for patients with type 2 diabetes. They are used when a lifestyle change alone is not enough. There are various active ingredients that, for example, delay the rise in blood sugar levels, stimulate insulin release or improve the effect of insulin in the body. Prof. Jacob: “In the near future there will be a new drug that ensures that sugar is excreted via the kidneys.” Clinical studies are already underway.
Info
The German Diabetic Association provides support with advice, training and special information for parents and children.
“Gesunder unter 7” explains comprehensively about the long-term blood sugar level HbA1c .
Conventional insulin therapy This is treatment with mixed insulins that are injected twice a day. This therapy is suitable for type 2 diabetics with a regular daily routine who can reliably eat a certain amount of carbohydrates. Otherwise there is a risk of over- or hypoglycaemia. The mixed insulins are given 30 minutes before or with a meal.
Intensified conventional insulin therapy It combines a short-acting analogue insulin at mealtimes with a so-called delayed insulin in the morning and evening. This enables a more flexible daily schedule with changing meal times and carbohydrate quantities. The advantages: Elevated sugar levels can be corrected quickly. Thanks to well-adjusted values, there are fewer secondary diseases.
Insulin Pump Mimicking a healthy pancreas, it is worn 24/7 and continuously delivers a specified amount of fast-acting insulin into the body. The pump (e.g. “OmniPod”) is connected to an injection needle under the skin via a tube. Additional insulin can be called up at the touch of a button. Flexible and optimal blood glucose levels.
