Both forms of diabetes impact the bodies’ relationship with food, glucose levels and cause high blood sugar. But while individuals with type 1 diabetes lack the ability to produce insulin, type 2 diabetics have become insulin resistant. In other words, their body can no longer effectively use the insulin the pancreas produces. As a result this disease has been termed “adult onset” diabetes, impacting over 100 million individuals around the world each year. Once diagnosed, this condition requires lifetime management and monitoring, which has become easier with the wide range of type 2 diabetes treatment options.
See this post for more on lowering blood sugar levels naturally as a prevention or treatment measure.
The Role of Diabetes Prevention
Early detection is one of the most effective diabetes treatment options for adults, and can prevent or delay the onset of type 2. In most cases, the person is asymptomatic or the warning signs are benign – and are often dismissed as nothing. Yearly blood screens that include a fasting blood sugar test or (FBS) are the easiest way to detect a condition called pre-diabetes. The result range will fall between 100 and 125 ml/dL, indicating blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but too low for the diagnosis of diabetes.
This post goes over all the various normal blood sugar ranges.
Types of Medication Available
Once an adult has developed type 2 diabetes, there are various oral medications and injections that can be given alone or in combination as determined by a healthcare provider. Some of the available diabetes treatment options include:
- DPP-4 (dipeptidyl-peptidase) inhibitors
- Alpha-gulosidase inhibitors
- Sulfonylureas
- Meglitinides
- Thiazolidinediones
- Amylin agonists
These treatments either alter how glucose is stored, the production of insulin by the pancreas or how the body breaks down simple and complex carbohydrates. Before choosing an medication, make sure to discuss all aspects with your healthcare provider – including advantages, effectiveness, method of administration and side effects.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Proper Diet and Exercise
Next to genetics the other primary cause of this disease is obesity – often due to poor diet, lack of nutrition and inactivity. While it is possible to control this condition with medication, the best compliance and management is seen in individuals who use a combination of methods. The addition of 15 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3 to 5 days a week can help an individual’s body maintain healthy glucose levels naturally. Also, avoiding simple sugars (a trigger of high glucose levels and reactive hypoglycemia), and eating a diet high in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and fiber help avoid hyperglycemia and cases of the “hypos.”
Compared to type 1, there are a wider range of type 2 diabetes treatment options available for adults. The use of prescription medications, diet and exercise can help maintain normal blood sugar levels, and prevent the increase of risk factors and complications associated with this disease.
Related posts:
- Common Type 1 Diabetes Treatment Options
- What Are The Most Effective Diabetes Treatment Options For Children?
- Common Diabetes Treatment Options For Adults
- What Makes Diabetes Treatment Options For Women Different
