Under a doctor's supervision, treatment usually involves a combination of weight loss, exercise and medication. This hypertext document isn't a guide to treatment and it doesn't replace the advice of a doctor. It's one of many sources of extra information about diabetes. Local diabetes groups and clinics sponsor meetings and educational programs about diabetes that also can be helpful. Points to Remember Only a doctor can treat diabetes.
Treatment usually involves weight loss, exercise and medication.
Daily treatment helps control diabetes and may reduce the risk of complications. Both types also affect the body's ability to use digested food for energy. After a meal the digestive system breaks some food down into glucose. The blood carries the glucose or sugar throughout the body, causing blood glucose levels to rise. In response to this rise the hormone insulin is released into the bloodstream to signal the body tissues to metabolize or burn the glucose for fuel, causing blood glucose levels to return to normal.