With Type 1 diabetes, the course of treatment is pretty specific: insulin. But in the case of Type 2 diabetes, treatment might consist solely of lifestyle changes (eating healthfully, losing weight, getting plenty of physical activity). Or, treatment might consist of taking a diabetes pill twice a day.
Full Answer
Is it time to change my type 2 diabetes treatment plan?
Type 2 diabetes medications offer many options to manage your blood sugar (also known as blood glucose) and diabetes. But if your current treatment isn’t getting the job done or doesn’t feel right for you, talk to your doctor. They may tell you it’s time to change your treatment plan.
What is the management of type 2 diabetes?
Management of type 2 diabetes includes: 1 Healthy eating 2 Regular exercise 3 Weight loss 4 Possibly, diabetes medication or insulin therapy 5 Blood sugar monitoring
Why do people with Type 2 diabetes need insulin therapy?
Some people who have type 2 diabetes need insulin therapy. In the past, insulin therapy was used as a last resort, but today it's often prescribed sooner because of its benefits. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a possible side effect of insulin.
Do you need diabetes medications for type 2 diabetes?
Some people who have type 2 diabetes can achieve their target blood sugar levels with diet and exercise alone, but many also need diabetes medications or insulin therapy. The decision about which medications are best depends on many factors, including your blood sugar level and any other health problems you have.
What happens when you start taking diabetes medication?
The most common side effect is low blood sugar. You may also have a wide variety of symptoms, such as headaches, rashes, dizziness, anxiety, cough, and dry mouth. Talk to your doctor. Some may go away as your body gets used to the medicine.
When treating type 2 diabetes What is the first line of treatment?
Metformin should be the first-line drug for managing type 2 diabetes. Insulin and sulfonylureas should be second line, and glitazones should be reserved for third line. Metformin is the only drug for type 2 diabetes that does not cause weight gain, which is an important advantage.
How has diabetes type 2 treated changed?
People continued to use injectable animal-based insulin for many years, but recent years have seen further advances in treatment. These include the introduction of insulin analogs and the development of new ways to deliver insulin. Both of these factors have made diabetes treatment more effective.
How long does it take to regulate type 2 diabetes?
In general, diabetes experts say with medication and lifestyle changes, diabetes patients could notice a difference in three to six months. It may take one month to stabilize blood sugar (with or without medication), and then a couple of months or more for lifestyle changes to take effect.
How long does it take to lower blood sugar with medication?
The effects are usually noticeable within 48 hours of taking the medication, and the most significant effects take 4–5 days to occur. However, the timing depends on the person's dosage. Other diabetes medications increase the amount of insulin in the body, and these can work faster to bring down blood sugar levels.
Why is metformin a good choice as first-line treatment?
Metformin is a biguanide that is used as first-line treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is effective as monotherapy and in combination with other glucose-lowering medications. It is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects and is affordable.
How much weight do you need to lose to reverse type 2 diabetes?
In one from 2011, people who were recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes returned their blood sugar levels to normal when they lost weight on a calorie-restrictive diet. In a 2016 follow-up study, people who had been diabetic for up to 10 years were able to reverse their condition when they lost about 33 pounds.
Can type 2 diabetes be reversed permanently?
According to recent research, type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, but individuals can have glucose levels that return to non-diabetes range, (complete remission) or pre-diabetes glucose level (partial remission) The primary means by which people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission is by losing significant amounts of ...
Is diabetes reversible in early stages?
But experts say diabetes can be reversed early on. “If you follow the advice of your doctors and nutritionist and make an effort to lose weight, diabetes can be reversed by normalizing your blood sugar levels without medication early in the course of the disease, that is the first three to five years,” Dr.
Can your pancreas start working again type 2 diabetes?
Beta cells begin working again in people who are in remission from type 2 diabetes, researchers have said. Further analysis of the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) explored the link between remission and the function of beta cells in the pancreas.
Does type 2 diabetes get worse with age?
Age. Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age. This may be because people tend to gain weight and exercise less as they get older. Maintaining a healthy weight by eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are ways of preventing and managing diabetes.
Can You Beat diabetes type 2?
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition that can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease and blindness. However, it is possible to beat it into remission. The pancreas can begin again making insulin, the hormone that regulates levels of glucose in the blood.
What to do if you can't maintain your target blood sugar level?
If you can't maintain your target blood sugar level with diet and exercise, your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications that help lower insulin levels or insulin therapy. Drug treatments for type 2 diabetes include the following.
What is the normal blood sugar level for Type 2 diabetes?
This blood test indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Results are interpreted as follows: Below 5.7% is normal. 5.7% to 6.4% is diagnosed as prediabetes.
How does weight loss surgery help?
Weight-loss surgery changes the shape and function of your digestive system. This surgery may help you lose weight and manage type 2 diabetes and other conditions related to obesity. There are various surgical procedures, but all of them help you lose weight by limiting how much food you can eat.
Why do we need wellness visits?
Keeping your annual wellness visits enables your health care provider to screen for diabetes and to monitor and treat conditions that increase your risk of diabetes — such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a high BMI.
How does SGLT2 affect kidney function?
SGLT2 inhibitors affect the blood-filtering functions in your kidneys by inhibiting the return of glucose to the bloodstream. As a result, glucose is excreted in the urine. These drugs may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with a high risk of those conditions.
How long does it take to retest blood sugar?
If you have signs or symptoms of low blood sugar, drink or eat something that will quickly raise your blood sugar level — fruit juice, glucose tablets, hard candy or another source of sugar. Retest your blood in 15 minutes.
What does a blood sugar level of 200 mean?
Regardless of when you last ate, a level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher suggests diabetes, especially if you also have signs and symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination and extreme thirst. Fasting blood sugar test.
Why does Type 2 diabetes progress?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that changes over time, and how and when it changes all boils down to how the body uses insulin. If you have prediabetes or have just developed Type 2 diabetes, the beta cells in your pancreas still work to make insulin, the hormone that helps to lower and keep the amount of glucose in your blood at a safe level.
What is the treatment for insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is a hallmark of both prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. If your prediabetes is caught early on, the primary course of treatment is:
How does your doctor know when your treatment needs to change?
There are people who have Type 2 diabetes who successfully manage it without medication or with, say, metformin. If you are watching your carbs, keeping your weight within a healthy range and getting plenty of physical activity, you may be able to avoid or delay starting on a new medication or increasing the dose.
How does your doctor know which type of medication to start you on?
There are nine classes of diabetes pills. There are non-insulin injectable medications calls GLP-1 agonists. And then there’s insulin. It’s great that there are so many medications to choose from. However, because there are so many, it can sometimes be confusing for your doctor to know which one (s) to choose.
Can you ever get off your medications?
It depends. If you are new to diabetes and take metformin, for example, you may be able to come off it (or at least lower the dose) if you lose weight and amp up your activity. However, the longer you’ve had diabetes, the less your chances of coming off your meds, especially if you’re taking more than one type of medication.
Why do I need a new diabetes treatment?
Your doctor may have changed your diabetes treatment because your prior treatment no longer managed your blood sugar levels or a medication caused debilitating side effects. Your new treatment plan may include adding a drug to your current regimen, or stopping a medication and starting a new one.
What are the first questions to ask a doctor about a medication change?
Here are some questions to ask your doctor not only in the first 30 days of a treatment change, but also throughout the first year: 1. Are these side effects related to my medication? If you’re taking new medications, you may experience new side effects. You might feel dizzy or have digestive problems or a rash.
How long should I keep my cholesterol levels checked?
Your doctor may also add medications to manage blood pressure. Ask to have your cholesterol levels checked at least three to six months after starting treatment to make sure they’re tracking in the right direction.
How often should I check my blood sugar?
When starting a new treatment, your doctor may want you to check your blood sugar more often throughout the day. After 30 days, you may be able to check less often. However, if your blood sugar isn’t well controlled, you may need to continue checking your blood sugar frequently.
How long does it take for side effects to get better?
In many cases, side effects get better over time. But if they’re still severe after the 30-day mark, ask your doctor when you can expect improvement or when you should consider other treatment options.
What are the complications of hypoglycemia?
Unresolved hypoglycemia may lead to serious complications such as: 1 clumsiness, as if you’re intoxicated 2 confusion 3 seizures 4 loss of consciousness
Can you stop taking medication for diabetes?
In some cases, diabetes treatment may be temporary. If lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, regular exercise, and weight loss are successful, you may be able to stop taking or reduce some medication.
What are the things that can affect your diabetes treatment plan?
If you need to start treatment for something besides diabetes, your doctor might want you to change your medications. Things that can affect your diabetes treatment plan include: Kidney disease or dialysis.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes medications offer many options to manage your blood sugar (also known as blood glucose) and diabetes. But if your current treatment isn’t getting the job done or doesn’t feel right for you, talk to your doctor. They may tell you it’s time to change your treatment plan.
What to do if you have made lifestyle changes?
Lifestyle Changes. If you’ve made lifestyle changes like weight loss and regular exercise, you might need a lower dose. Your doctor will review your treatment plan and make any needed changes. Talk to your doctor before you change or stop any medication. Do not quit taking any mediation without their OK.
Why is it important to keep your blood sugar level healthy?
It’s important to keep your blood sugar within a healthy range. This lowers your chances of diabetes complications and can help you manage other conditions that go along with diabetes. If your readings are too high on your current medication, your doctor might want to change the dose or try another.
Why is type 2 diabetes progressive?
One key reason for a change is that type 2 diabetes is progressive, meaning it can be more difficult to manage with time. This seems to happen faster in younger people and those who gain weight.
Can oral medication be used for years?
Sometimes an oral medication may not be as effective for you after several months or years. It’s not always clear why this happens. Oral medications work in different ways, so there are alternatives available to you. If your hemoglobin A1c (a blood test that measures long-term blood sugar control) becomes too high, your doctor may add another oral medication, add insulin, or increase your insulin dose.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Management of type 2 diabetes includes: 1. Healthy eating 2. Regular exercise 3. Weight loss 4. Possibly, diabetes medication or insulin therapy 5. Blood sugar monitoring These steps will help keep your blood sugar level closer to normal, which can delay or prevent complications.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Careful management of type 2 diabetes can reduce your risk of serious — even life-threatening — complications. Consider these tips: 1. Commit to managing your diabetes.Learn all you can about type 2 diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. 2. Work with your team.Establish a relationship with a diabetes educator, and ask your diabetes treatment tea…
Alternative Medicine
- Many alternative medicine treatments claim to help people living with diabetes. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, studies haven't provided enough evidence to recommend any alternative therapies for blood sugar management. Research has shown the following results about popular supplements for type 2 diabetes: 1. Chromiumsupple…
Coping and Support
- Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease, and following your diabetes treatment plan takes round-the-clock commitment. To meet the demands of diabetes management, you may need a good support network. Anxiety and depression are common in people living with diabetes. Talking to a counselor or therapist may help you cope with the lifestyle changes or stressors that come with …
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Keeping your annual wellness visits enables your health care provider to screen for diabetes and to monitor and treat conditions that increase your risk of diabetes — such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a high BMI. If you are seeing your health care provider because of symptoms that may be related to diabetes, you can prepare for your appointment by being ready to answer …