Intensive insulin therapy takes a more aggressive approach to managing blood glucose (sugar) levels than conventional insulin therapy. It typically involves setting specific goals for maintaining blood sugar levels within a certain range before and after meals and attempting to achieve a quarterly hemoglobin A1c (test that measures your average glucose over a three-month period) of less than 7%.
Intensive insulin therapy typically requires:
- Frequent injections of insulin
- A close monitoring of dietary habits
- Use of exercise to help control blood glucose
- Frequent blood sugar tests
Results from the landmark Diabetes Control and Complications Trial have clearly shown that intensive insulin therapy can significantly improve glucose control and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as eye disease, nerve damage and kidney disease.
But, intensive insulin therapy is not for everyone. Though you can practice intensive therapy by using a variety of insulin delivery methods, it does requires a higher than average commitment to managing your glucose and working closely with your doctor to achieve the stated goals.
If you are new to glucose monitoring, here is a helpful guide to getting started. Before buying a glucose meter, check out these important questions you should answer to find the glucose meter that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
