Type 1 Diabetes: Treatment
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy to supplement or replace the failing insulin production of their pancreas. Insulin may be delivered by a syringe or other injection device, or through an infusion device called an insulin pump.
Good nutrition, careful monitoring of carbohydrate and fat intake, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking, are also an important part of diabetes treatment, and preventing long-term complications.
The goal of type 1 diabetes treatment is to maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible given an individual’s medical history. Regular blood sugar testing, called SMBG or self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, can help patients understand how food, exercise, illness, and other factors impact their blood glucose levels. The information provided by regular blood sugar checks also helps the healthcare team assess how effective a treatment plan is and provides data for making necessary adjustments.
Why is good blood glucose control important? Long-term research has demonstrated that keeping glucose levels as close to normal as possible — a treatment approach known as "tight control" or "intensive management"— significantly reduces the risk of eye, kidney, and nervous system complications for people with type 1 diabetes.
Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08