Control and Treat Type 2 Diabetes Through Diet and Medications

By July Utley

Once people are diagnosed, the chief goals of type 2 diabetes management are to control glucose levels and to condense other conditions that put patients at threat for major complications. Such complications include heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke, among many others. Treatments for type 2 diabetes are life-long - there is no pill to cure this chronic disease.

Glucose Control

Of type 2 diabetes treatments, being in control with blood glucose is the most widely-utilized. Normally, the aim is to keep one's blood sugar stable and doctors may set levels exact to each person. Controlling glucose needs careful monitoring. Doctors may have people check their blood sugar every day or several times a week; it varies by individual. Some people can run their diabetes with changes to diet and exercise, while others involve medication.

Diet and Exercise

These two, diet and exercise have a considerable impact on blood glucose levels. While there is no one diabetes diet, patients are encouraged to eat nutritious, low-calorie foods. They repeatedly have to trim down animal fats and sweets and count carbohydrates. Consistency is the key. People must also make physical exercise a part of their daily schedule. Exercise lowers blood sugar, so patients must make it a priority. At all times consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime, but for most people, 30 minutes of aerobic exercise joint with strength training, most days of the week, is best.

Medications

Some people find changes to diet and exercise sufficient treatments for type 2 diabetes, but many others require medication and insulin therapy. Medication regimes are individual, based on each person's medical history, other diseases, and individual factors. Yet metformin (Glucophage) is often prescribed; this diabetes medication lowers glucose production in the liver. Other oral or injected medications increase insulin-production in the pancreas. Still others block the breakdown or absorption of carbohydrates.

Insulin Therapy

Insulin therapy is regular among medication-based type 2 diabetes treatments. Patients may use insulin injections or an insulin pump; insulin cannot be taken orally. There are many different types of insulin and doctors may prescribe a mixture based on individual factors.

Reducing Complications

The second major goal of type 2 diabetes treatments is to reduce future complications. Patients must often make lifestyle changes. Doctors may recommend regular exercise, limiting alcohol, the cessation of smoking, among others. They may also prescribe certain medications like ACE inhibitors and diuretics to lower blood pressure, statins and fibrates to lower cholesterol, or aspirin and clopidogrel to control clotting. Regular check-ups will be required. If patients are conscientious, they can still enjoy active, healthy lives, even with the disease. - 30241

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