Type 2 diabetes treatment involves controlling blood glucose levels in the body in order to prevent or delay the onset of complications. The initial goal is to reduce the high blood glucose level and the associated co-morbidities, but the long-term goal is to manage the disease. The best way to manage type 2 diabetes is through exercise and a healthy diet. In addition, your doctor should provide you with education and support to manage your condition. You can ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian or certified diabetes care specialist.
Newer treatments for type 2 diabetes are available. The latest ones include glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors. These medicines lower blood glucose levels and have cardiovascular benefits. However, they are not without risks. Some may cause nausea and vomiting, or they may even cause pancreatitis.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by an abnormality in the insulin-producing beta cells. The impaired beta cells fail to meet the body’s glucose demand, and the body produces more insulin than is necessary. Eventually, blood sugar levels become too high to be useful to the body, causing the body to store fat instead of energy.
While genetics and age cannot be changed, obesity can be altered. Losing five to 10 percent of your baseline weight remains the most important type 2 diabetes treatment. A person with diabetes has an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Additionally, diabetes can lead to kidney failure. Therefore, proper management of this disease is vital to keeping it under control.