Type 1 Diabetes has to be treated with insulin shots. Insulin is a complex substance, which currently needs to be injected by all people with Type 1 diabetes and an increasing number of people with Type 2 diabetes. Insulin cannot be taken orally as a pill because the juices in the stomach would destroy the insulin before it could work. Since insulin is a hormone, which like other hormones is a protein, the acid would break it down in the stomach or else digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas would digest the insulin protein molecule. New insulin pumps are being developed and tested. Scientists are researching for new non-invasive ways to administer insulin. These have included insulin nasal and oral sprays, patches, tablets and inhalers.

Tight control of blood glucose (and blood pressure) levels through insulin, diet control and exercise is the key to preventing/managing diabetes and leading a healthy life.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic and a complex problem but easier to treat because the pancreas still produce insulin. It is good to know that Type 2 diabetes can be managed through lifestyle modifications such as creating a balance between a healthy diet, physical exercise, and in serious cases, by taking medication, such as pills (to stimulate the production of insulin, improve the action of insulin), otherwise by a combination of diet and insulin injections. Common drugs in pill form (for Type 2 ONLY) include metformin, and the sulfonylureas (e.g., glimepiride, gliclazide among many others), pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, acarbose and miglitol.

If they fail to respond to these, insulin is eventually required.

It is important for diabetes to be diagnosed early
Many people could have diabetes for five years without even knowing it or showing any symptoms of it. By that time, some people already have eye, kidney, gums or nerve damage. There's no cure for diabetes, but there is hope. Exercise, proper diet, weight control and medicines can make a big difference in preventing the damage that diabetes can do. The earlier you know you have diabetes, the sooner you can make these important lifestyle changes.

Monitoring of blood glucose levels
Regular blood glucose testing is the cornerstone of diabetes management. Often, signs and symptoms may not be noticeable until it is too late. Since blood glucose levels change regularly and even rapidly, just clinic tests are not enough. Portable handheld glucose meters are quite preferable. Glucose level testing is essential to decide the choice and timing of food, exercise and drug dosage.