All You Need to Know about Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

Did you know that people with a family history of obesity are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a protracted disease and the amount of sugar or glucose levels up in the body. It is also known as type 2 diabetes mellitus and adult-onset diabetes. Usually, people started it in middle age and later into adulthood. But now, things are different. Many children and teenagers are suffering from this disease.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes and is a different disease. But if your blood sugar level is high, it increases the complexities of type 1 diabetes. The good thing is that there are various ways to treat Type 2 diabetes. Before jumping on Type 2 diabetes treatment, let's understand its symptoms. 

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

It isn't easy to notice symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can progress moderately. When the sugar level in the blood starts increasing, then its symptoms can be -

- Excessive Urine - The kidneys cannot filter out the excess sugar present in the blood, so the only way to get rid of it is through urine.

- Excessive Thirst - Due to excessive urine flow and lack of water in the body, you will feel dehydrated. Due to this reason, you will feel thirsty again and again. Excessive thirst is a sign of diabetes type 2.

- Increased Appetite – Due to the lack of insulin in diabetes, the body cannot turn the food eaten into energy, due to which we often feel hungry.

- Weight Loss - If you lose pounds without any valid reason, it can be type 2 diabetes. What happens in type 2 diabetes? The insulin production is insufficient. And the body cannot transport glucose from the blood to the body cells for use as energy. The body begins burning fat and muscle for energy, which helps in reducing weight. 

- Slow Healing of a Wound or Injury - The sugar level builds up in the blood. The person has a slow recovery of wound or injury.

- Fatigue, Headache, Blurred Vision - Apart from these symptoms, tiredness, headache, blurred vision, weak immune symptoms, distress in the private part, and fast heartbeat are the primary symptoms of diabetes.

If you experience any one of these signs or more than one, talk to the doctor immediately. Otherwise, the problem may increase later.

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment - Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 can be treated with medication as well as a healthy lifestyle. Let's look at the medicine and tips that we can use to treat this chronic disease.

What is the medication? 

Insulin Therapy

Some people require insulin therapy. Earlier, insulin therapy was the last option for type 2 diabetes patients. But now, it is often prescribed sooner because of its benefits. Did you know why insulin is always injectable? When you take insulin orally, it creates digestive problems in patients. That is why insulin is injectable. 

There are a few side effects of this therapy. The possible side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Depending on your requirements, your doctor will prescribe a mix of insulin types to use during the day and night. There are different types of insulin, and they all perform their function individually.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

SGLT2 inhibitors inhibit the reabsorption of sugar in the kidney blood. Instead, sugar is eliminated through urine. Some examples of SGLT2 inhibitors include canagliflozin (Inokana), ) empagliflozin (Jordan), and dapagliflozin (Farxiga). This medicine comes with some benefits and side effects. It reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke who are at high risk.

But it increases the risk of fungal infections in the vagina, urinary tract infections, low blood pressure, and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors

These are not very strong medications. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors help to decrease blood glucose levels.

Sulfonylureas

These medicines help your body deliver more insulin. Sulfonylureas include glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase), glimepiride (Amaryl), and glipizide (Glucotrol). This medicine has a few side effects like low blood sugar and weight gain.

Metformin

Did you know that metformin is the first drug prescribed for type 2 diabetes treatment? Sounds fantastic, right? It lessens the production of glucose in the liver and increases your body's responsiveness to insulin. So that body starts using insulin completely.

Don't worry if you experience nausea and diarrhea after taking this medication. These are the common side effects. Metformin examples include Glucophage, Glumetza, etc.

Tips for managing Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

- Try to be physically active.
- Try to keep your weight under control.
- Quit smoking and other forms of tobacco.
- Never miss your regular checkups.
- Follow a proper diet plan.

What food should you eat and avoid if you have type 2 diabetes?

Your eating habits can help to control your sugar level in the blood. It should always be in range. People with type 2 diabetes must follow these rules to keep their sugar level in the range.

- Always eat food and snacks at the scheduled time.
- Don't eat food with high calories and low nutrition.
- Overeating is a terrible idea.
- Before eating anything, read out its label, what it contains.

List of Food that Type 2 Diabetes Patients Should Eat

- Bitter gourd, fenugreek, garlic, onion, flaxseed, cinnamon water, fiber-rich foods like apple, moong dal, oats, soybean, etc., manage diabetes.

- Eat healthy protein like beans, fish, or skinless chicken.

- Have healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts (almonds, walnuts), and avocados.

- Add Omega 3 and MUFA to your diet as they are good fat. The natural sources of Omega 3 and MUFA are canola oil, flaxseed oil, fatty fish, and nuts.

You should eat fiber-rich fruits. You can include papaya, apple, orange, pear, and guava. Mangoes, grapes, and bananas are high in sugar, so avoid them.

List of Food that Type 2 Diabetes Patients Should Avoid

- Type 2 diabetes patients should avoid salt, sugar, fat, red meat, regular milk, and milk products such as yogurt, tea, and coffee, flour.

- Avoid white rice, potatoes, carrots, bread, and bananas. They raise blood levels. You can supplant these with whole grains, whole wheat or soya bread, and raw rice.

- Remember, in case of mild symptoms; you can control type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. In severe cases, you need medications, but diet and exercise play an essential role in controlling diabetes.

The information above is not a replacement for medical advice. So, always consult your doctor before taking any medication or supplement.