How To Manage Type 2 Diabetes?

Manoj Kumar (B.pharmacy)

Published : Oct 01, 2024

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the levels of glucose or sugar start to build up in the bloodstream. This happens when the body does not react effectively to insulin or you do not produce sufficient insulin.

Generally, the hormone insulin helps move glucose from the blood to cells, where it is used for energy. However, in type 2 diabetic patients, the body cells do not respond to insulin as they should. In the later stages of type 2 diabetes, the body stops producing enough insulin.

If you fail to control type 2 diabetes, it can lead to high blood glucose levels and cause severe complications as well. When it comes to managing type 2 diabetes, doctors prescribe diabetic medicines. However, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can also help with management.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

When we talk about type 2 diabetes, the leading cause is insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance occurs when the cells in muscles, liver, and fat stop responding to insulin as they should. Insulin is a hormone that your pancreas makes. It is necessary for regulating blood sugar levels.

If the body fails to respond to insulin appropriately, the pancreas must work hard to make more insulin and overcome the problem of increased blood glucose levels. When cells become resistant to insulin and the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to overcome this, you have type 2 diabetes.

Some common causes of type 2 diabetes include:

• Physically inactive
• Genetics
• Excess body fat, mainly in your belly and around the organs
• Hormonal disorders such as Cushing syndrome and hypothyroidism
• Lack of quality sleep
• Chronic stress
• Certain medicines, such as long-term use of corticosteroid
• Having high-processed, high-carbohydrate foods and saturated fats

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

The problem of type 2 diabetes develops with time. Most people suffering from mild or early diabetes do not experience any symptoms. It is essential to have blood tests for screening and regular check-ups to avoid serious problems.

Some common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Blurry vision
• Thirst and dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Severe fatigue or lethargy
• Repeated episodes of vomiting

What are the risk factors of type 2 diabetes?

Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases if you:

• Are above 45 years of age
• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Are physically active less than three times a week
• Are overweight or obese
• Had gestational diabetes
• Have prediabetes

Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

Generally, doctors diagnose type 2 diabetes with blood and urine tests. The main tests used for diagnosing type 2 diabetes include:

Fasting blood glucose test

This test is performed almost 8 hours after the last meal. Average fasting blood glucose should be less than 100mg/dL.

Oral glucose tolerance test

In this test, your blood sample is taken after you consume sugar. A regular reading should be less than 140mg/dL.

Hemoglobin A1C level

This blood test measures your average glucose over time. A normal A1C should be less than 5.7%.

How type 2 diabetes is treated?

In some cases, making lifestyle changes can help you to control type 2 diabetes condition. However, there are some medicines which can help you with type 2 diabetes:

Metformin

Metformin helps lower blood glucose levels and improves the body's response to insulin. It is usually the first-line treatment for most people with type 2 diabetes.

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas are oral medications that help the body produce more insulin. 

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones are effective in making your body more sensitive to insulin.

Meglitinides

Meglitinides are fast-acting and short-duration medicines that encourage your pancreas to make more insulin.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors

These are mild medicines that help decrease blood glucose levels.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists

These medications help to slow digestion and improve your blood glucose levels.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors

They help your kidneys eliminate excess sugar from the body through urine.

Diabetes and Lifestyle Changes:

Apart from taking diabetes medicine, you might also require some lifestyle changes. Adopting certain healthy habits can help you achieve the target blood sugar range.

Some lifestyle changes for type 2 diabetes include:

• Managing stress levels
• Losing weight, if required
• Quit smoking
• Indulge in regular exercise
• Getting proper sleep at night
• Having a healthy and well-balanced diet
• Managing consumption of carbohydrates and sugary foods

Summary

Therefore, if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately and start the treatment. You can also adopt healthy lifestyle changes to effectively manage your blood sugar levels.