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The treatment for type 1 or type 2 diabetes is done with medications to control blood sugar levels, in order to keep blood glucose as close to normal as possible, preventing possible complications of this disease, such as retinopathy and kidney failure, for example.
To treat type 1 diabetes, daily insulin is required. The treatment of type 2 diabetes, in general, is done with antidiabetic medication in tablets, such as metformin, glimepiride and gliclazide, for example, being sufficient in most cases, or the aid of insulin may also be necessary. In addition, eating a controlled diet in sugar and fat and exercising is essential in all cases.
As the most suitable medicine for each person varies according to several factors, including the type of diabetes, the severity of the disease and the patient's age, treatment should be guided by an endocrinologist or general practitioner. To better understand what differentiates types of diabetes, see what are the characteristics and differences of types of diabetes.
Remedies for type 1 diabetes
As in this type of diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin or produces it in minimal quantities, the goal of treatment is to simulate the natural production of this hormone, that is, at the same times and amounts according to each person's needs, to prevent increased blood glucose.
Thus, to simulate the action of the pancreas, it is necessary for the person with type 1 diabetes to use at least two types of insulin, which are:
Types of insulin | Generic names | How it is used |
Fast-acting insulin | Regular, Asparte, Lispro, Glulisina | It is usually used before meals or just after eating to keep glucose levels regulated after eating, preventing glucose from accumulating in the blood.
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Slow insulin | NPH, Detemir, Glargina | It is usually used only 1 to 2 times a day, as its action lasts from 12 to 24 hours, with some reaching up to 30 hours, keeping sugar levels stable throughout the day. |
These drugs can be found in any pharmacy and most are also available in the popular pharmacy, with access by SUS, according to the medical prescription.
To facilitate the application and reduce the number of injections, there are also combinations with insulin preparations, which combine 2 or more types of insulin, with fast and slow action.
In addition, an option is the use of the insulin pump, which is a small device that is connected to the body, and can be programmed to release insulin quickly or slowly, according to the needs of each person.
Find out more details about what the main types of insulin are and how to apply.
Remedies for type 2 diabetes
The most used remedies for type 2 diabetes are hypoglycemic or oral antidiabetics, which can be taken alone or combined, in order to control blood sugar levels. Some examples include:
List of medicines | Therapeutic class | How it works | Most common side effects |
Metformin | Biguanides | Decreases glucose production by the liver, improves the use of glucose by the body | Sickness and diarrhea |
Glibenclamide, Glimepiride, Glipizide, Gliclazide
| Sulphonylureas | Stimulates and increases insulin production by the pancreas | Hypoglycemia, weight gain |
Acarbose, Miglitol | Alpha-glycosidase inhibitors | Decreases the absorption of glucose from food by the intestine | Increased intestinal gas, diarrhea |
Rosiglitazone, Pioglitazone | Thiazolidinediones | Improves the use of glucose by the body | Weight gain, swelling, worsening heart failure |
Exenatide, Liraglutide | GLP-1 agonists | Increases insulin release, lowers glucose, increases satiety and facilitates weight loss | Nausea, decreased appetite |
Saxagliptin, Sitagliptin, Linagliptin | DPP-4 inhibitors | Decreases glucose after meals, increasing insulin production | Nausea |
Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin, Canagliflozin | SGLT2 inhibitor | Increases the elimination of glucose in the urine and facilitates weight loss | Higher risk of urinary tract infection |
The most recent drugs, such as Exenatide, Liraglutide, Gliptinas and Glyphozins, are not yet available through the public network, however, the other drugs can be found free of charge in pharmacies.
In cases where glucose is too high, or when the pill pills are no longer effective, the doctor may include insulin injections in the treatment. However, in order to treat type 2 diabetes, in addition to the use of medicines, it is essential to control sugars in conjunction with a controlled diet of carbohydrates, fat and salt, in addition to physical exercise. See what a diabetic diet should be like.
Diabetes medicine lose weight?
Diabetes drugs should not be used by people who want to lose weight but who do not have diabetes, because it is dangerous for health. The drugs used to control blood glucose, in the case of diabetes, have the effect of losing weight, because with better control of the blood sugar level the person feels less hungry, and it is easier to follow a weight loss diet.
However, the use of hypoglycemic agents should not be done by healthy people, who should instead choose to use foods, juices and teas that help control blood sugar in a natural way, such as cinnamon, flour from passion fruit peel and flaxseed. ground golden, for example.
Home remedies for diabetes
Natural remedies for diabetes are great ways to complement treatment with medications, as they have properties that help reduce blood glucose. Some teas with this function are carqueja, cinnamon or sage teas, for example. Check out the recipes for diabetes teas.
Another great home remedy is the use of passion fruit peel flour, as it contains pectin, a fiber that acts to reduce blood glucose. In addition, another blood glucose regulator is the São Caetano melon, which can be consumed in its natural form or as juice, for example.
In the treatment of diabetes it is important not to consume foods with large amounts of sugar or carbohydrates, such as jellies, cookies or potatoes. Alternatively, foods rich in fiber such as vegetables, apples, flaxseeds, whole grain bread and natural juices should be consumed. See which fruits are recommended in people with diabetes.
See also the exercises you can do, which are explained in the following video: