The next important factor to consider in treating diabetes is exercise. Exercise not only lowers blood sugar but keeps your weight down and improves blood circulation.

Recent studies also show that exercising at least once a week may prevent the onset of type II diabetes by 33 percent in normal weight women and 16 percent in overweight females.

What kind of exercise should you perform? Researchers say any form of exercise done regularly is fine. Your physician will tell you how much exercise you need depending on your age, weight, and overall health.

For diabetics embarking on an exercise program, be alert to the symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar that can occur if you're taking insulin or oral hypoglycemia agents. To minimize that risk, consume a light carbohydrate snack at least 30 minutes before exercising.

In the event of prolonged exercise, bring some food along and eat every half hour. You can also reduce your dosage of insulin or take it at a time when you're not exercising to prevent hypoglycemia.

Insulin is the mainstay of diabetes therapy. It is generally used by insulin-dependent or type I diabetics who are younger than 40 years old.

For those who develop the disease after the age of 40, diet and exercise are usually enough to control the condition. But if blood sugar levels fail to respond to these measures, the elderly patient with non- insulin dependent or type II diabetes may require insulin shots or the use of oral hypoglycemic agents.

There are several types of insulin but all of them are injected since this hormone is destroyed by the digestive system when taken orally. Some varieties of insulin are taken from the pancreas of cattles or hogs while others are a mixture of both. Human insulin made from recombinant techniques is also available.

Of the three, human insulin causes fewer allergic reactions. Pork and beef insulin can be painful or cause fat, lumpy formations at the site of injection. However, some people can use them without experiencing any trouble. This is especially true with pork insulin which nearly resembles human insulin than beef.

Certain varieties of insulin act more quickly than others. The intermediate-acting insulin works best during the first 12 to 18 hours and its effects last for 20 to 24 hours. With short-acting insulin, the greatest effect is produced only during the first four to five hours and this lasts for only eight to 12 hours. Long-acting insulin is the best of the lot: it stabilizes blood glucose levels for the entire 24 hours.

How much insulin is needed to control diabetes? Most patients can get by with a single injection of intermediate insulin before breakfast. Others may require a mixture of insulins and several shots during the day.

Insulin requirements may also change as one grows older, undergoes surgery, or becomes pregnant. For this reason, it's best to consult a physician to determine your exact requirements depending on your condition. (Next: How to use insulin.)

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