Examples of possible treatments for type 2 diabetes include:
- Metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, others). Generally, metformin is the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes. ...
- Sulfonylureas. These medications help your body secrete more insulin. ...
- Meglitinides. ...
- Thiazolidinediones. ...
- DPP-4 inhibitors. ...
- GLP-1 receptor agonists. ...
- SGLT2 inhibitors. ...
- Insulin. ...
What is the best treatment for type 2 diabetes?
Oct 24, 2020 · By Mayo Clinic Staff Healthy lifestyle choices — including diet, exercise and weight control — provide the foundation for managing type 2 diabetes. However, you may need medications to achieve target blood sugar (glucose) levels. Sometimes a single medication is effective. In other cases, a combination of medications works better.
What are the medications for type 2 diabetes?
Background: 5% to 8% of adults have type 2 diabetes, a disease that is usually asymptomatic at first. The goals of management are timely diagnosis and the prevention of complications. Methods: Selective review of the literature, including guidelines from Germany and abroad. Results: High caloric intake and lack of exercise are the main contributing causes of type 2 …
What is the treatment for DM type 2?
Aims: Patients with type 2 diabetes are at high risk for developing heart failure. Evidence-based treatment recommendations with respect to the specific benefits or possible hazards of antidiabetic treatment are scarce. Methods and results: In a systematic search we only identified randomized, controlled trials for thiazolidinediones. Further ...
How is type 2 diabetes treated?
Oct 11, 2021 · Treating or managing the underlying causes of dizziness in type 2 diabetes may help resolve dizziness. Monitoring blood sugar Monitoring blood sugar can help people maintain levels within a healthy...
What is the main treatment for type 2 diabetes?
There's no cure for type 2 diabetes, but losing weight, eating well and exercising can help you manage the disease. If diet and exercise aren't enough to manage your blood sugar, you may also need diabetes medications or insulin therapy.Jan 20, 2021
What is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes?
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.Jan 1, 2008
When should you seek medical attention for type 2 diabetes?
High blood sugar: If your blood glucose remains above 240 mg/dL, even after taking your medicine and/or increasing insulin and fluids, or you have trouble staying in range, make an appointment.
Should all Type 2 diabetics be on metformin?
Metformin is the cornerstone of diabetes therapy and should be considered in all patients with type 2 diabetes. Both the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)1,2 recommend it as first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes.Jan 1, 2019
What is a good blood sugar level for a type 2 diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association's goals for blood sugar control in people with diabetes are 70 to 130 mg/dL before meals, and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.Dec 6, 2020
What are the signs of a diabetic emergency?
What are the signs and symptoms of a diabetic emergency?hunger.clammy skin.profuse sweating.drowsiness or confusion.weakness or feeling faint.sudden loss of responsiveness.
What blood sugar level requires hospitalization?
Action to take. If a ketone test shows that ketones are present and a blood glucose test shows that a person's blood sugar levels are 240 m/dl or above, the ADA advise them to see a doctor. Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical help as soon as possible, as DKA can become a medical emergency.
What are the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis?
SymptomsExcessive thirst.Frequent urination.Nausea and vomiting.Stomach pain.Weakness or fatigue.Shortness of breath.Fruity-scented breath.Confusion.Nov 11, 2020
Diabetes Treatment: Lowering Blood Sugar
Several classes of type 2 diabetes medicines exist. Each class of medicine works in different ways to lower blood sugar. A drug may work by: 1. Sti...
Compare Diabetes Medications
Here's an at-a-glance comparison of common diabetes medications. More medications are available depending on your needs and situation. Ask your doc...
How to Choose Your Diabetes Medication
No single diabetes treatment is best for everyone, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your doctor can determine how a specific...
Diabetes treatment: Lowering blood sugar
Several classes of type 2 diabetes medicines exist. Each class of medicine works in different ways to lower blood sugar. A drug may work by:
Compare diabetes medications
Here's an at-a-glance comparison of common diabetes medications. More medications are available depending on your needs and situation. Ask your doctor about your options and the pros and cons of each.
How to choose your diabetes medication
No single diabetes treatment is best for everyone, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your doctor can determine how a specific medication or multiple medications may fit into your overall diabetes treatment plan and help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of specific diabetes drugs.
What is the best way to treat low blood sugar?
Make sure your family members, friends, and caregivers know your signs of low blood sugar so they can help treat it if needed. Injectable glucagon is the best way to treat severely low blood sugar. A glucagon kit is available by prescription. Speak with your doctor to see if you should have a kit.
How to treat high blood sugar after eating?
1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup. Hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (see food label for how much to eat). 3-4 glucose tablets (follow instructions). 1 dose of glucose gel (usually 1 tube; follow instructions). Tips to keep in mind: It takes time for blood sugar to rise after eating. Give some time for treatment to work.
How to raise blood sugar to 55?
If it’s still below your target range, have another serving. Repeat these steps until it’s in your target range. Once it’s in range, eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure it doesn’t get too low again.
Is 70 mg/dL low blood sugar?
Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low. If you think you have low blood sugar, check it. If you aren’t able to check it, go ahead and treat it. Untreated low blood sugar can be dangerous, so it’s important to know what to do about it and to treat it immediately.
How many carbs should a toddler eat?
Following the 15-15 rule helps. Young children usually need less than 15 grams of carbs, especially infants and toddlers. Ask your doctor how much your child needs. You should avoid eating a carb with lots of fiber, such as beans or lentils, or a carb that also has fat, such as chocolate.
Is it good to keep your blood sugar low?
Keeping your blood sugar levels on target as much as possible can help prevent or delay long-term, serious health problems. While this is important, closely managing your blood sugar levels also increases your chance for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low. If you think you have low blood sugar, check it.
How to take care of diabetes?
Taking care of your diabetes includes knowing when to call a doctor and get medical help. As you learn more about diabetes, you'll become more confident about knowing when to call for help. Even if you're managing your diabetes on your own, it's a good idea to tell your mom or dad when you're feeling sick or having any symptoms that might be related to your diabetes. Having this parental support can be a huge help. Your mom or dad can help you get in touch with your doctor to prevent things from getting serious or even take you to the emergency department if you need it. If you're having a problem, start by checking your diabetes management plan. The plan can give you ideas on when and where to call for help. For many medical problems, it's best to start by calling your primary doctor, like your pediatrician or family doctor. In some cases, though, your diabetes management plan might advise you to call someone else on your diabetes health care team. If you need to see a doctor or get medical care, health care professionals may ask about: your symptoms, like whether you've been throwing up or feeling more tired than usual any prescription medications you're taking and the phone number of your pharmacy If you have time, it can help to write down this info before you visit the doctor. If you're ill, especially if the illness causes fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, or if your ability to eat or drink has been affected, call your doctor. You should also let your doctor or diabetes health care team know if you: have had a significant injury (more than a minor cut, scrape, or bump) have been prescribed new medications for another health problem (some medications may affect blood sugar levels) If you think a situation is an emergency, tell someone to call 911 or help you Continue reading >>
How to cope with diabetes?
It is very important to know how to cope with illness if you have diabetes or know or care for somebody with diabetes. If in doubt, always seek advice from your doctor or nurse straightaway. Any illness or other type of stress will raise your blood sugar (glucose) levels, even if you are off your food or eating less than usual. People with diabetes are unable to produce more insulin to control the glucose level. The increased glucose level can make you become very lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated). Acting quickly and following advice helps to keep your glucose levels in the normal range or only slightly high. Because it can sometimes be very difficult to control your blood glucose levels, treatment in hospital may be needed. Hospital treatment may also be needed if you become very dehydrated. What happens to my diabetes when I am unwell? When a person with diabetes is unwell the sugar level in the blood tends to increase. This can happen even with a very mild illness such as the common cold. The blood sugar (glucose) may go up even if you are not eating properly or are being sick (vomiting) or have loose or watery poo (diarrhoea). The increase in blood sugar may make you very lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated). What should you do when you are unwell? Contact your GP or practice nurse for advice if you are not sure. You may also need treatment for the illness that is making you feel unwell. If you check your blood sugar (glucose) levels then these checks should be more regular. A practice nurse or district nurse can help with checking blood glucose levels, especially if you don't usually check them regularly. Continue eating as normally as possible. If you don't feel like eating, replace your solid food with soup, milk, ice cream, fruit juice, sugar or hon Continue reading >>
What happens if your blood sugar is out of whack?
Blood sugar that’s consistently out of whack increases your risk of health problems throughout your body , including your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Resulting complications could lead to disabling, even life-threatening, conditions — and that’s why, if you have type 2 diabetes, practicing good diabetes management and maintaining blood sugar control is a must. Being aware of possible complications and their symptoms is one of the first steps to successfully managing diabetes, says Gerald Bernstein, MD, director of the diabetes management program at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York City. Educating yourself may help you delay or prevent complications from happening. Start here, by reading about seven signs of diabetes complications that should never be ignored. Confusion, dizziness, and shakiness. These symptoms are often a sign of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). “People describe it as feeling nervous or anxious,” says Lori Zanini, RD, CDE, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Blood sugar is usually considered low when it falls below 70. If left untreated, blood sugar that goes too low could cause you to pass out and need emergency medical treatment. If you feel any of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. If your number is less than 70, eat 15 grams of carbohydrate such as 3 glucose tablets, 4 ounces of orange juice, or 2 tablespoons of raisins. Wait 15 minutes and then check your blood sugar again. If it hasn’t gone above 70, eat 15 more grams of carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, and recheck your blood sugar. If you continue to experience symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical treatment. Zanini advises carrying hard candy or glucose tablets with you so you can react as soon as you feel you Continue reading >>
Why does blood sugar spike?
Blood sugar spikes are caused when a simple sugar known as glucose builds up in your bloodstream. Most of the food you eat is broken down into glucose. Your body needs glucose because it’s the fuel that makes your muscles, organs, and brain work properly. Glucose can’t be used as fuel until it enters your cells.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
In addition to the day-to-day basics of diabetes management and treatment, there's learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of two potential diabetes-related conditions: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). These can occur at any time and need to be treated immediately to avoid a medical emergency. Causes of Hyperglycemia Your blood sugars can rise to dangerous levels when you haven't taken enough insulin (if you are type 1) or when your insulin receptors are not working as they should (with type 2). Perhaps you miscalculated the number of carbohydrates you ate at a meal, or you were under stress or had an illness. Each of these situations can lead to hyperglycemia. Symptoms That Need Attention If you have these symptoms please call your health care professional and/or go to the emergency room: Increased thirst increased urination Nausea/vomiting Deep and/or rapid breathing Abdominal pain Fruity smelling breath Loss of consciousness Another type of dangerous situation is called Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). This is defined as a dangerously high blood sugar that is >600 mg/dL. It is typically brought on either by an infection, such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection, or poor management of your blood sugar. If left untreated, it can result in coma and even death. Signs and symptoms include: extreme thirst confusion fever (usually over 101 degrees Fahrenheit) weakness or paralysis on one side of the body The best way to prevent HHNS is to take your medications as directed and to keep in contact with your healthcare team when your blood sugar is consistently >300 mg/dL. When to See a Doctor if your blood sugar is over 240 mg/dl. Hyperglycemia can Continue reading >>
How to know if you have HHNS?
Signs and symptoms include: extreme thirst confusion fever (usually over 101 degrees Fahrenheit) weakness or paralysis on one side of the body The best way to prevent HHNS is to take your medications as directed and to keep in contact with your healthcare team when your blood sugar is consistently >300 mg/dL.
Why is blood glucose high?
Hyperglycemia is a defining characteristic of diabetes—when the blood glucose level is too high because the body isn't properly using or doesn't make the hormone insulin. You get glucose from the foods you eat.
What is a diabetic emergency?
A diabetic emergency happens when symptoms relating to diabetes overwhelm the body. At this point, home treatment is unlikely to help, and delaying medical care could cause permanent damage or death. Some of the signs that can indicate a serious problem include: chest pain that radiates down the arm.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes reduces the body’s ability to respond to insulin. Consequently, the body does not produce enough insulin to manage the glucose in the body.
Why does blood sugar drop when you have diabetes?
Hypoglycemia can occur for many reasons, but, in diabetes, it usually stems from the use of insulin or other medications that control blood sugar. Blood sugar levels may drop dangerously low when a person: takes more insulin than they need for their current food intake or exercise levels. consumes too much alcohol.
How many people died from diabetes in 2016?
However, the CDC state that diabetes, or complications related to it, is still the seventh most frequent form of death in the U.S., and it was responsible for nearly 25 deaths in every 100,000 in 2016. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), greater susceptibility to infections, ...
What are the factors that increase the risk of diabetes?
According to the AAFP, the following factors may increase the risk: infections, including pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, and sepsis. the use of some medications, including some psychiatric treatments and diuretics, which can lead to dehydration. not following treatment for diabetes.
What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
The warning signs of hypoglycemia include: confusion, dizziness, and nausea. feeling hungry. feeling shaky, nervous, irritable or anxious. sweating, chills, and pale, clammy skin. rapid heartbeat. weakness and tiredness. tingling in the mouth area. headaches.
How to maintain blood sugar levels?
Eating healthful, balanced, regular meals: People who use insulin or other medications that lower blood glucose should ask their doctor about what foods to eat, how much, and when, in order to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Small, frequent meals are better than fewer larger meals.
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 …