Diabetes Self-Management and Diabetes Treatment

The University Hospitals Division of Clinical & Molecular Endocrinology provides a full range of diabetes treatments for both Type 1 and Type 2 – with a strong emphasis on self-management.

The primary goal of diabetes treatment is controlling blood sugar or glucose levels. For Type 1 diabetes, our diabetes specialists generally recommend managing the disease with insulin, diet and exercise. Meanwhile, Type 2 diabetes treatments include other diabetes medications (customized to the patients), body weight control and changes in diet.

Type 2 diabetes medications – delivered through syringes, pens and insulin pumps – can reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and excretion, and decreasing the absorption of carbohydrates through the digestive tract.

University Hospitals emphasizes nutrition and diet because they are crucial to controlling blood sugar. The best diet for diabetics are customized to each patient's needs and take into account the amount and types of carbohydrates, fiber, fat and protein consumed. Meal timing and when the patient takes insulin are also considered.

Although diet is managed by the patient, medications prescribed by our doctors also play a key roll in controlling diabetes. And similar to diet, medications are tailored to the patient's individual needs.

Most importantly, our endocrinologists emphasize the importance of diet, exercise and living a health lifestyle when it comes to managing both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.