Diabetes needs to be controlled. For most people, this includes taking medicine. But some people may not require medicine. It depends on what type of diabetes you have. And it depends on other things. Read on to learn more.
Type 1 diabetes
All people with type 1 diabetes need to control it with medicine. You must use shots of insulin. That's because your body may not make any insulin. Or it may not make enough insulin. Without insulin, you could develop diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a life-limiting condition.
Type 2 diabetes
Many people with type 2 diabetes need to take medicine. But some people don't. Your doctor may first advise both meal planning and exercise. You may need to lose weight. These can all lower your blood sugar. Your sugar level may go back to near the normal range. Then your lifestyle changes will be how you manage your diabetes.
But that may change over time. Your body often makes enough insulin when type 2 diabetes starts. But your body has trouble using it. This is called insulin resistance. As time goes on, your body may stop making enough insulin. Then you may need medicine.
Over time, many people with type 2 diabetes need medicine to manage it. But a healthy lifestyle is still important. This is done through diet, exercise, and weight loss. This is true even if you take medicine.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop in pregnancy. In many cases, blood sugar can be managed with healthy eating and physical activity. Some people may need medicine or insulin to help control their blood sugar.
Blood sugar levels often return to normal after the baby is born. However, having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Your doctor will check your blood sugar after delivery and recommend ongoing screening.