Type 2 diabetes is a chronic illness in which the body does not adequately utilize insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend one or more treatments to help control your blood sugar levels and lower your risk of complications. Some of the most common treatments and recommendations for people who are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes include:
Weight Loss
In general, being "overweight is defined by the Centers for Disease Control as weighing more than is considered healthy for a person's height. Many newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients are overweight. When this is the case, a doctor would usually recommend weight loss as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. Losing 5 to 10% of body weight may help reduce blood sugar levels in many patients with type 2 diabetes. As a result, researchers in the journal Diabetes Care find that the requirement for diabetes drugs is reduced. Weight loss may also lessen your risk of heart disease, which is more common in those with type 2 diabetes than in the overall population. Your doctor may advise you to limit calories from your snacks and meals in order to lose weight. In some situations, your doctor may advise you to undergo weight-loss surgery. This procedure is often referred to as metabolic or bariatric surgery.
Physical Activity
Your doctor may advise you to increase your physical activity to help manage your blood sugar levels, weight, and risk of complications from type 2 diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, most persons with type 2 diabetes should:
- Receive at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise every week, spaced out across several days
- Perform two to three resistance exercises or strength training sessions per week, spread out over non-consecutive days
- Try to restrict the amount of time you spend doing sedentary activities.
- Try not to go more than two days without doing anything physical.
Your doctor may advise you to set different physical activity goals based on your health. In some cases, they could advise you to refrain from engaging in particular activities. Your physician might suggest seeing a physical therapist to help you create a safe workout schedule.
Dietary Modifications
Your doctor may advise you to make dietary modifications to assist in managing your blood sugar levels and weight. A well-balanced diet is also beneficial to your general health. With type 2 diabetes, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to a good diet.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends in general:
- Consuming a diverse range of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, legumes, veggies, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats
- Distributing your meals equally throughout the day, not skipping meals if you're on medications that can cause blood sugar to drop too low, and not eating excessively.
Consult your doctor if you need assistance changing your diet. They may send you to a qualified dietician to assist you in developing a healthy eating plan.
Medications
You may be able to control your blood sugar levels only through lifestyle modifications. However, many patients with type 2 diabetes require medicine to manage the condition over time. Depending on your medical history and requirements, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
Non-insulin medications such as metformin, Sulfonylureas, Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)
Other injectable medicines, such as a GLP-1 receptor agonist or amylin analog, may be injected or inhaled in addition to insulin.
Typically, your doctor will begin by recommending oral medication. You may need to add insulin or other injectable medicines to your treatment regimen over time.
Speak with your doctor to learn more about your drug options. They can assist you in weighing the potential benefits and hazards of various drugs.
Blood Sugar Testing
The primary goal of diabetes treatment is to keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range. Blood sugar levels that are either low or too high might lead to health concerns. Your physician will order blood testing on a regular basis to assist in monitoring your blood sugar levels. They can conduct an A1C test to determine your average blood sugar levels. They may also urge you to check your blood sugar levels at home on a regular basis. To check your blood sugar at home, prick your fingertip and use a blood glucose monitor to test your blood. Alternatively, you can invest in a continuous glucose monitor, which uses a small sensor to continuously track your blood sugar levels.
The Bottomline
Your healthcare provider may advise you to make modifications to your diet, exercise routine, or other lifestyle choices in order to manage type 2 diabetes. They may recommend one or more drugs. They will also request that you have regular examinations and blood testing.
Inform your physician if you detect any changes in your symptoms or blood sugar levels. Diabetes type 2 might vary over time. Your treatment plan may be modified by your doctor to match your changing needs.
References
American Diabetes Association. (2019). 5. Lifestyle management: Standards of medical care in diabetes — 2019.DOI: https://doi.org/10.2337/dc19-S005
American Diabetes Association. (2019). 8. Obesity management for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: Standards of medical care in diabetes — 2019. DOI: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/42/Supplement_1/S81
Continuous glucose monitoring. (2017). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/continuous-glucose-monitoring
Choosing what, how much, and when to eat. (2017). http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/recently-diagnosed/where-do-i-begin/choosing-what-to-eat.html
Defining adult overweight and obesity. (2017). https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/defining.html
Insulin basics. (2019). http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medication/insulin/insulin-basics.html
Other injectable medications. (2017). http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medication/insulin/other-injectable-medications.html
StrelitzJ, et al. (2019). Moderate weight change following diabetes diagnosis and 10-year incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. DOI: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00125-019-4886-1
Van Gaal L, et al.(2015). Weight management in type 2 diabetes: Current and emerging approaches to treatment. DOI: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/38/6/1161
What are my options? (2018). http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medication/oral-medications/what-are-my-options.html
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