Treatments

In some people, blood glucose levels can be successfully controlled with diet and exercise, but many people require insulin or oral tablets. Insulin injections are required when the pancreas fails to make sufficient insulin. Patients requiring insulin often show signs of diabetes at a young age. This is referred to as Type I diabetes. Diabetics whose pancreas makes insulin but develop elevated blood glucose levels due to resistance to the effects of insulin are often placed on oral tablets and diet therapy, although occasionally insulin injections are needed. These patients are often said to have Type II diabetes and represents the majority of diabetics (90-95%).

Many drugs interfere with diabetes treatments by directly affecting blood sugar levels. Diabetics may sometimes use these drugs, but a physician or pharmacist should be consulted before adding or discontinuing any over-the-counter or prescription drug. For example, certain diuretics, corticosteroids, phenytoin, isoniazid, large doses of aspirin, and estrogens, can increase blood sugar. Beta blockers (ex. Tenormin®, Lopressor®, Inderal®, Kerlone®), commonly used to treat conditions such as abnormal heart rhythms, migraines, and high blood pressure have multiple effects on blood glucose regulation. In addition, they may mask the symptoms associated with low blood sugar. Low blood sugar can have serious implications and diabetics and their families are educated to recognize the symptoms and instructed in appropriate actions to take.

Herbs or botanical products may also affect blood sugar. For example, garlic increases blood insulin levels, therefore increasing the risk of developing a low blood sugar. There is also some evidence that horse chestnut and black cohosh may increase the effects of oral antidiabetic medications.