What distinguishes conventional therapy from intensive therapy in diabetes management?

The distinction between conventional therapy and intensive therapy in diabetes management primarily revolves around the frequency of glucose monitoring. Intensive therapy involves a more proactive approach where patients typically measure their blood glucose levels several times a day. This frequent monitoring allows individuals to make timely adjustments to their insulin doses or dietary choices, leading to better overall glucose control.

Conventional therapy, on the other hand, usually entails less frequent monitoring, which may result in a more reactive rather than proactive management of blood glucose levels. Patients might only check their glucose levels once or twice a day, which can limit their ability to fine-tune their treatment effectively.

While aspects like dietary recommendations, types of medications, and insurance coverage can vary, they are not the primary factors that differentiate conventional from intensive therapy. Intensive therapy is specifically designed to provide more frequent feedback for adjustments in treatment, significantly improving glycemic control and potentially reducing the risk for long-term complications associated with diabetes.