Diabetes (Maturity) Treatment
The purpose of treatment is to relieve the symptoms, reduce the amount of glucose in the blood and
urine and lower the risk of complications. For almost a third of non-insulin-dependent diabetics,
the disease can be controlled by diet alone. The diet must be designed by a doctor and carefully
adhered to by the patient.
In a typical diabetic regimen, calories (800 to 1500 daily, depending on the patient's excess weight)
are distributed in small meals taken at regular intervals, keeping the blood glucose level as steady
as possible. Carbohydrates make up 50 to 60 percent of the total intake, with plenty of fibrous foods
such as whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates are restricted to
5 to 15 percent of all carbohydrate calories and should come from natural sources such as milk and
fruit rather than from candies, cookies and so on. Of the total calories, 30 to 35 percent come from
fats and 12 to 20 percent (depending on age and activity) from protein. Compared to the average American
diet, the diabetic regimen requires reducing the intake of sugar, fat, protein and salt, and increasing
the intake of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Key factors are controlling the intake of simple
carbohydrates, particularly sugar, honey and other sugars; eating balanced meals and achieving and
maintaining an ideal body weight for the control of the disease.
Diabetes (Maturity) Medication
If diet alone is insufficient to manage the disease, medication will be prescribed to lower the blood
glucose. These drugs, generally referred to as oral hypoglycemic agents, appear to work by stimulating
the release of insulin and also by increasing its effects on blood sugar. In severe cases, insulin
injections may be required, but this is unusual in maturity-onset diabetes, at least in the early stages
of the disease.
Occasionally, when too high a dosage of medication is taken, hypoglycemia (a low level of blood glucose)
will result. The onset of hypoglycemia is usually gradual, with symptoms that include sweating, nervous
irritability and a tingling tongue. In extreme cases, hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness. Sugar
lumps or some other quick-energy food should always be carried when away from home and taken at the first
symptoms. You should also carry a card explaining your condition and detailing what should be done in an
emergency. A Medic-Alert bracelet is an additional safeguard.
