Type 1 Diabetes: Living With Complications - Other Treatment
You may hear about products that promise a "cure" for type 1 diabetes complications. No such cure exists. Also, avoid products for diabetes that are advertised by "satisfied customers." These products or remedies may be harmful and costly. They also might cause you to delay or avoid getting treatments that do work. If you have questions about a product for treating diabetes, check with your local American Diabetes Association office, your doctor, or a diabetes educator.
Other types of meal plans
You may hear of people with diabetes following other types of meal plans or using low glycemic-index foods to control their blood sugar levels. Talk with a registered dietitian before trying one of these plans.
Does Prediabetes Lead to Diabetes?
In every issue of WebMD the Magazine, we ask our experts to answer readers' questions about a wide range of topics. In our January-February 2011 issue, we asked WebMD's diabetes expert, Michael Dansinger, MD, to answer a question about the link between prediabetes and diabetes. Q: At my last checkup, my doctor told me I have prediabetes. Does that mean I'll ultimately develop diabetes? A: Almost everyone who develops type 2 diabetes develops prediabetes first. But not everyone who has prediabetes...
Read the Does Prediabetes Lead to Diabetes? article > >
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies are used in addition to traditional treatment. Acupuncture and biofeedback are examples of treatments that may relieve stress and muscle tension. They can help you feel better overall, but they don't treat the underlying disease. Don't use complementary therapies alone to treat your diabetes or its complications. Ask your health professional which therapies might help in your particular situation.
Talk with your doctor before using these or other complementary or alternative therapies:
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Chiropractic therapy
- Herbal medicines and natural substances, such as antioxidants, vanadium, magnesium, or chromium.
- Osteopathy
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Type 1 Diabetes: Living With Complications Topics
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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