With about 1.5 million citizens diagnosed with diabetes yearly, it has become one of the most crucial areas of work to find the best way to treat it, both for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. As of now, there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, and the ADA prescribes protocols to maintain ideal sugar levels. A combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and physical activity are recommended for treating type 2 diabetes.

Let’s have a look at the treatment options in detail:

1. Diabetes medication
The dosage of medication is based on the level of blood glucose levels, the longevity of the condition and the overall health of the patient. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is a blood sugar target that determines the treatment. The latest guidelines as per the American College of Physicians as of March 2018 is an HbA1c target between 7 to 8 percent. The goal of medication is to maintain sugar levels within those percentages. Doctors will suggest that you check levels frequently and your dosages are recommended based on individual sugar readings. Make sure you understand how often you have to check yours. Random consumption of medication can result in complications as some of the medication can cause side effects. Hence one has to strictly adhere to the doctor’s recommendations of how and when to use medication and insulin. Some of the most commonly used medication which either help in secreting insulin or make the body more sensitive to insulin are:

  • Metformin – Glucophage, Glumetza
  • Sulfonylureas
  • Meglitinides
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • DPP-4 inhibitors
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists
  • SGLT2 inhibitors
  • Insulin therapy

CAUTION: Never take oral medication or injectable insulin without a doctor’s prescription.

2. Weight loss surgery
People with a high BMI are at a very high risk of type 2 diabetes. To bring down levels of sugar and body weight suddenly is a difficult task and is not advisable either. High sugar levels and obesity can lead to cardiovascular diseases and other health complications too. One way of reducing weight is to undergo a weight loss surgery also known as bariatric surgery where a small portion of the stomach is removed, resected or rerouted. This helps in controlling sugar levels quickly. However, this is recommended only as a last resort as it can lead to other health complications.

3. Diet
Diet plays a major and crucial role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Eating healthy and making the right choices both for children and adults, reduces the risk of rising sugar levels. Make a chart, count calorie intake and ensure that you only consume recommended doses of sugar, carbs, fat and salt. Avoiding junk, processed and packaged food goes a long way in treating diabetes. You should avoid binge-eating as it will increase the risk of obesity. Healthy snacks for hunger pangs and more meals with smaller portions is what is ideally recommended both for children and adults. Abstaining from alcohol is as important as managing your diet.

4. Physical activity
A healthy dose of brisk physical activity – walking, running, swimming, cycling or aerobics, and gym activity are nothing short of mandatory for those with type 2 diabetes. You can start with brisk activity twice a week and once you are able to settle into a comfortable rhythm, you have to make it a daily routine.

There is no cure yet for diabetes but it is important to remember, constant monitoring of sugar levels, regular medication, healthy diet, and robust physical activity can bring down the impact of diabetics quite significantly. Today newer devices and medications have raised the hope of a normal life for diabetics. But for that, one has to accept their condition and develop a positive attitude towards managing it.