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Treating secondary diabetes involves treating its cause, if possible. In some cases, once the source is addressed, the diabetes will go away. This may be the case for diabetes caused by certain drugs. Discontinuing their use may stop the diabetes, although patients should consult their physician before beginning or stopping use of any medications. In some cases the benefits of medications, such as antiretrovirals for HIV/AIDS, outweigh the side effects.

When the underlying cause cannot be resolved or remains unidentified, the diabetes itself will need to be treated. Treating diabetes is complex and requires commitment from the patient. Initially, treatment focuses on controlling the level of glucose (blood sugar). This is accomplished with a combination of diet and exercise, and it may involve insulin therapy and antidiabetic agents.

Many forms of secondary diabetes are treated like type 2 diabetes. However, cases involving destruction of the insulin-making beta cells of the pancreas, such as those caused by pancreatectomy, can be treated like type 1 diabetes.

To monitor their diabetes during treatment, patients may use a glucose meter as instructed by their physician. Glucose monitoring can alert patients when their glucose levels are above or below their target range so they can identify and treat hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia according to their treatment plan. If readings are frequently out of range, the physician may recommend a change in the treatment of a patient’s diabetes or underlying condition. 

Other important aspect of treating and monitoring diabetes include:

• Daily foot care and skin care
• Regular dental care
• Not smoking or abusing alcohol
• Ketone tests to help avoid diabetic ketoacidosis
• A sick-day plan devised by a physician
• Regular physical exams, eye exams and foot exams
• Microalbuminuria testing to monitor kidney function
• Blood pressure readings and cholesterol tests
• Seeing specialists in the care team as needed

Controlling diabetes can help prevent the many potential complications of the disease, such as heart conditions, stroke, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy and sexual dysfunction.

Prevention of secondary diabetes depends on its cause. For instance, treating pancreatitis may help preserve the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin and prevent diabetes. As another example, quitting the abuse of narcotics or alcohol may help prevent damage to the beta cells that can lead to diabetes.