Lifestyle changes are usually the biggest factors in diabetes 2 treatment. Generally people with diabetes 2 must learn to eat right, stay active, take medicine regularly, and be a little more prepared as they go through their day. However, with this disease you should never stop learning as much as you can because there are a lot of factors that could come into play. Reading this article will help you learn more about diabetes 2 treatment.
Treatment for Diabetes 2: Medications
People who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes are usually proscribed metformin. This medication lowers glucose production in the liver. If this medication does control your glucose levels, then oral or injected medications may be added.
Some drugs work by stimulating the pancreas so that it produces and releases more insulin, while others make your tissues more sensitive to insulin or block enzymes that break down carbohydrates. Try to speak extensively with your doctor to understand the pros and cons of different diabetes 2 treatment options (Mayoclinic.com, 2011).
Insulin may be given to patients when blood sugar levels are not controlled. It may be added to the person’s oral medication, or be the only medication prescribed. Generally, insulin doses are taken once per day, and treatment begins with low doses which are adjusted over time. People who take insulin by itself usually take more doses than those who do not (Uptodate.com, 2011).
Treatment of Diabetes 2: Self-Management
Making wise food choices is the first step to keeping your diabetes under control. Eating healthily will help you to feel good, keep your weight under control, and lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications that may be caused by diabetes. It also helps you to keep your blood sugar within range, which is the most important element in diabetes 2 treatment.
In diabetes management, you food choices do not only involve what you eat, but how much you eat and how you eat it. Meals and snacks should be eaten at the same time of day to keep your blood pressure from fluctuating. Also, it is wise to eat the meal proportions the same from day to day. Work with your physician or a dietitian to put together a meal schedule that will work for you. You should also talk to them about what amounts from each food group you should eat daily or during a meal.
Physical activity is also important when you are trying to manage your diabetes 2 treatments. Before beginning any regiment you should talk to your doctor about what types of exercises are right for you. Light aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, or biking are usually recommended, and you should exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Warming up and cooling down for several minutes each is also commonly recommended.
It is important that you are prepared when going to exercise. You should always have a snack with you in case your blood sugar gets too low, and you should drink lots of water. Wearing your medical ID or some other type of ID is suggested, and so is finding an exercise buddy.
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