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Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition where the pancreas fails to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually appear earlier in life, and daily insulin injections are mandatory for survival when living with type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas is unable to make sufficient insulin levels, and the body doesn't correctly use insulin that is made. Type 2 diabetes symptoms can appear gradually over time and can be managed through medication, exercise and diet.

Are you aware of the cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes?


People with type 2 diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to someone living without diabetes.3,4

Learn how you can potentially reduce the risk.

 

Providing you the tools to help manage diabetes

In these sections, you can find more information on diabetes, lifestyle tips and treatments.

Treatment of diabetes
1 min. read

Treatment of diabetes

Lifestyle and various diabetes medications all play key roles in living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Digital technology and diabetes

Digital technology and diabetes

Digital technology is advancing in every aspect of life and managing diabetes is no exception. So, how can new technology help with managing your diabetes?

Question 1 of 6

Diabetes myth-busting

Millions of people are living with diabetes worldwide, with approximately 90% of whom have type 2 diabetes.Despite its prevalence, many myths still persist. At Novo Nordisk, we’re committed to improving awareness and treatment for everyone at risk of diabetes across the globe. 

Myth #1

Blood sugar is the only important factor when it comes to managing diabetes.

It’s also important to manage weight, diet and exercise.

Myth #2

Type 2 diabetes can be cured with lifestyle therapy alone.

As a progressive disease, medication is often required.

Myth #3

Treatments for type 2 diabetes only target blood sugar.

Some treatments also address risk like heart disease.

Myth #4

People with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

8 in 10 people with type 2 diabetes face higher risk.

Myth #5

Insulin therapy is the only viable option for type 2 diabetics.

Insulin is just one of many types of diabetes treatments.

Myth #6

The human body has a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 that helps manage blood sugar and regulate appetite.

GLP-1 is produced in the intestine and brainstem.

Bad Luck

You learn more from defeat than victory! Better luck next time.

Good Work

Not bad at all! Still some room for improvement.

Excellent

You're an expert mythbuster! Time to challenge your friends.

Blood sugar is the only important factor when it comes to managing diabetes.

Correct

While blood sugar is a key part of diabetes management, there are a number of risk factors that influence your long-term health, including weight, diet, and exercise. Staying in control help reduce your risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.



Learn more about monitoring blood sugar
Type 2 diabetes can be cured with lifestyle therapy alone.

Correct

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, meaning your condition will evolve over time. And faster if left untreated. While diet and exercise can help stabilise your condition, at some stage, diabetes will require prescribed medication to help balance your metabolism and blood sugar.



Learn more about balancing lifestyle factors and medication
Treatments for type 2 diabetes only target blood sugar.

Correct

Balancing blood glucose is important as type 2 diabetes impairs the body's natural ability to produce insulin. However, treatments should also address heightened risk factors like cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for people with type 2 diabetes.



Learn more about diabetes and heart disease
People with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Correct

People living with type 2 diabetes face higher risk of cardiovascular disease, even if symptoms aren't apparent. Ask your doctor about glucose-lowering, cardio-protective treatment options.



Learn more about cardiovascular risk
Insulin therapy is the only viable option for type 2 diabetics.

Correct

There are several non-insulin diabetes treatments available, such as Metformin, Sulfonylureas, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists. As diabetes progresses, it may be necessary to start on one treatment or a combination of two or more.



Learn more about non-insulin treatment options
The human body has a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 that helps manage blood sugar and regulate appetite.

Correct

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, helps your body release its own insulin and is designed to respond when your blood sugar rises. It also slows down food leaving your stomach and helps reduce the amount of sugar released from your liver.



Learn more about GLP-1 and how it works

Latest insights

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

Learn how exercise & a balanced diet may impact development and management of diabetes, and other treatment options.

References
  1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Atlas 10th Edition, 2021. Available from: https://diabetesatlas.org/idfawp/resource-files/2021/07/IDF_Atlas_10th_Edition_2021.pdf. Last accessed: May 2022.
  2. Mosenzon O, et al. CAPTURE: a multinational, cross-sectional study of cardiovascular disease prevalence in adults with type 2 diabetes across 13 countries. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2021; 20:154.
  3. Almdal T, Scharling H, Jensen JS, Vestergaard H. The independent effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on ischemic heart disease, stroke, and death: a population-based study of 13,000 men and women with 20 years of follow-up. Arch Intern Med 2004; 164:1422–1426.
  4. Fox CS, Coady S, Sorlie PD, et al. Trends in cardiovascular complications of diabetes. JAMA 2004; 292:2495–2499.
  5. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2022. Diabetes Care 2022; 45 (Suppl 1):S1-S264.
  6. Diabetes UK. Diabetes and exercise. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/exercise. Last accessed: May 2022.