Treatment of diabetes
Oral hypoglycemic drugs
Oral hypoglycemic drugs are one of the commonly used methods in the treatment of diabetes.
Common oral hypoglycemic drugs include sulfonylureas, biguanides, glucosidase inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors.
Sulfonylureas : They mainly lower blood sugar by stimulating pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin, such as gliclazide and glimepiride. They take effect quickly but can easily cause hypoglycemia.
Biguanides : The commonly used metformin can enhance the sensitivity of peripheral tissues and liver to insulin, thereby achieving the purpose of lowering blood sugar. The biggest side effect is gastrointestinal reaction.
Glucosidase inhibitors : such as acarbose, which lower postprandial blood sugar by delaying the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines. Common side effects are abdominal distension and increased flatulence.
Oral hypoglycemic drugs are suitable for patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in the early stages or when the disease is relatively mild. However, if the patient’s pancreatic beta cell function is poor or serious complications occur, oral hypoglycemic drugs may not be effective.
Insulin
Insulin is an important means of controlling high blood sugar.
Features: It can directly supplement the lack of insulin in the body and effectively lower blood sugar.
Applicable situations:
1. Patients with type 1 diabetes must use insulin for treatment because their pancreatic β cells are destroyed and insulin secretion is absolutely insufficient.
2. Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients with high blood sugar (such as fasting blood sugar greater than 11.1mmol/L) or with obvious symptoms of hyperglycemia and ketosis should use insulin early.
3. Patients with type 2 diabetes also require insulin treatment if they experience significant decline in β-cell function, significant weight loss, or severe complications during the course of the disease.
4. Patients with gestational diabetes should also use insulin if their blood sugar is not well controlled.
Insulin pump
An insulin pump is a device that controls blood sugar by infusing insulin subcutaneously.
advantage :
1. Simulate the physiological pancreatic secretion function of the human body to better control blood sugar and reduce blood sugar fluctuations.
2. No need to inject insulin multiple times a day, alleviating patients’ pain.
3. It can effectively lower postprandial blood sugar and reduce the occurrence of hypoglycemia.
4. Increase patients’ dietary freedom and improve their quality of life.
5. It is especially beneficial for people who have irregular work and life and often work overtime.
Applicable situations :
1. People with type 1 diabetes, especially those whose condition is difficult to control and whose blood sugar levels are prone to fluctuations.
2. Some patients with type 2 diabetes have large fluctuations in blood sugar and poor results from multiple insulin injections.
3. However, insulin pumps also have some disadvantages, such as high cost, need to be carried 24 hours a day, and may cause skin allergies and swelling, etc. Patients should choose the appropriate treatment method according to their own conditions and under the guidance of doctors.
Exercise recommendations for patients with diabetes
Suitable sports
Aerobic exercise
Brisk walking: simple and easy to do, it can effectively improve cardiopulmonary function, consume calories and lower blood sugar.
Jogging: Improves physical fitness and metabolism, can be done for 20-30 minutes each time.
Swimming: A whole-body exercise that puts less pressure on joints and helps with weight loss and lowering blood sugar.
Cycling: can exercise leg muscles and improve physical endurance.
Light strength training
Lifting dumbbells: Increase upper body strength, 10-15 minutes each time.
Push-ups: Exercise the chest and upper limb muscles, do in moderation.
Sit-ups: Increase abdominal strength, but pay attention to the standard of movements.
Other sports
Yoga and Tai Chi: can relax the body and mind, regulate endocrine system and improve sleep.
Square dancing: increase social interaction and improve mood.
Fishing: Relaxes nerves, suitable for middle-aged and elderly patients.
Exercise time
Best time: It is recommended to start exercising about 1 hour after a meal. At this time, blood sugar begins to rise. Exercise can better consume blood sugar and avoid the occurrence of hypoglycemia.
Duration: 20-30 minutes of exercise each time, at least 5 days a week. If your physical condition allows, you can gradually increase the exercise time, but generally not more than 1 hour.
Precautions during exercise
Physical condition: If you have severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemia, or when your blood sugar fluctuates greatly, you should avoid exercising.
Exercise intensity: Choose the appropriate exercise intensity based on age, condition and physical condition. For example, for patients over 60 years old, the exercise heart rate should not be too high.
Blood sugar monitoring: Blood sugar can be monitored before, during and after exercise. If blood sugar is too high or too low, the exercise plan should be adjusted.
Things to bring: Carry candies, biscuits, etc. with you to prevent hypoglycemia. You can also carry a diabetes assistance card and change for emergencies.
Discomfort: If you experience dizziness, cold sweats, fatigue, or other discomfort during exercise, you should stop exercising immediately and rest where you are. If the symptoms are severe and cannot be relieved, seek medical help in a timely manner.
Doctor’s guidance: Develop a personalized exercise plan under the guidance of a doctor and adjust it in time according to changes in the condition.