There are 2 aims with diabetes treatment. The first is to eliminate the symptoms it causes, and the other is to prevent the physical harm it can cause. Although no cure exists for IDDM, its symptoms can be eliminated by adhering to a diet that has a controlled amount of sugar in it, and by having regular injections of insulin to replace that which the body is not providing. This aims to keep the blood glucose level steady. Unfortunately, insulin cannot be taken by mouth since the digestive juices and enzymes destroy it before it can get into the blood stream to work.
Most people find giving the injections simple and painless, since the needle is so fine.
How often someone needs to give himself or herself an injection depends on what their diabetes specialist has recommended, and which type of insulin they're using. Some need to have it twice a day, some three times a day, and some use an insulin pen to give themselves their insulin just before meals. Devices are becoming available that deliver insulin continuously under the skin in response to need. This is a new and exciting development and will hopefully make the life of someone with IDDM easier. Unfortunately, diabetes that is not looked after can cause many serious problems for the body.