There are a number of treatments available to help you manage and treat your diabetes. Everyone is different, so treatment will vary depending on your own individual needs.
If you have Type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to use insulin to treat your diabetes. You take the insulin by injection or by using a pump. It’s also free on prescription.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may have to use insulin or tablets, though you might initially be able to treat your diabetes by eating well and moving more.
If you have another type of diabetes, your treatment options may be different. Speak to your healthcare professional, or call our helpline if you’re not sure.
Your GP or a healthcare professional can help you find the right diabetes treatment plan to suit you and your lifestyle.
Insulin
Everyone with Type 1 diabetes, and some people with Type 2 diabetes, need to take insulin to control their blood glucose (sugar) levels. If you need help injecting yourself, Emma can show you how in our video below.
Treatments for people with Type 1 diabetes
Insulin pumps
Using an insulin pump can be a good alternative to injecting with an insulin pen. It can give you more flexibility when managing your diabetes. But you have to meet NICE guidelines to use an insulin pump.
Incretin mimetics
This type of medication works by increasing the levels of hormones called incretins. These hormones help the body produce more insulin only when needed and reduce the amount of glucose (sugar) being produced by the liver when it’s not needed. You inject incretin mimetics yourself, and how often and your dose will be decided between you and your healthcare professional.
Islet cell transplant
If you have Type 1 diabetes, you may be able to get an islet cell transplant. This could stop you experiencing severe hypos. Get more information about islet cell transplants – what they are and how to access them.
Treatments for people with Type 2 diabetes
Tablets and medication
If you have Type 2 diabetes you may need medication to help manage your blood sugar levels. The most common tablet is metformin, but there are lots of different types.
Some medication stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, such as sulphonylureas. Others may be prescribed to help you lose weight, if you need to.
If you need to take tablets to manage your diabetes, you and your doctor will decide which is best for you.
Weight loss surgery
There are lots of obesity surgery procedures to the stomach or intestine that you can get to help you lose weight. There have been lots of studies that have found that this can help to put Type 2 diabetes into remission.
Diet and exercise
Lots of people with Type 2 diabetes don’t take any medication, and they instead treat their diabetes by eating well and moving more. We have loads of information and advice that will help you live a healthy life.
