People who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can manage their condition with insulin and other medications. These drugs work by lowering the amount of sugar in their blood, allowing them to avoid the symptoms and potential health risks associated with having high blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, but it primarily affects people above 45.
When a person has type 2 diabetes, their body is unable to process sugar from their diet effectively. This is because the body either does not produce enough of the hormone insulin or does not use it properly. Insulin helps to move sugar from the bloodstream into the cells, where it can be used for energy. As a result, sugar accumulates in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.
For those with type 2 diabetes, either their body fails to produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin they do have efficiently.
When cells cannot use the insulin properly, the sugar in the blood remains, causing a person's blood sugar levels to rise. Type 2 diabetes can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, increased hunger and thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and unexplained weight loss.
With careful management, people with type 2 diabetes can reduce their symptoms and lower the risk of complications.
The following steps can be taken to manage type 2 diabetes:
A doctor may recommend insulin to a person with type 2 diabetes, as this can assist in controlling their blood sugar levels and help reduce symptoms and potential complications. Additionally, other medications are available to help treat type 2 diabetes.
There are a variety of medications that can be taken to help keep blood sugar levels in check. These include
This slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, which helps to control blood sugar levels. AGIs are prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes to help them manage their blood sugar levels.
Enzymes such as these include:
AGIs, such as acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset), delay the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine, which helps to control the rise in blood sugar levels after meals.
Biguanides are a class of medications that can reduce the amount of sugar the liver produces and the amount of sugar the intestines can absorb. Additionally, they can enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin.
Biguanides, of which metformin is the most common form, have the effect of lowering blood sugar levels. As such, metformin is the most widely prescribed oral hypoglycemic agent for treating type 2 diabetes in Western countries.
Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson’s disease, but it may also be beneficial for type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that bromocriptine may help regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with the condition, although further research is needed to understand the exact mechanism of action.
DPP-4 inhibitors work by increasing the body's production of insulin. This helps to reduce blood glucose levels and can help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition.
For instance, insulin injections are given to help a person with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
DPP-4 inhibitors can reduce the amount of glucagon secreted by the pancreas. Glucagon is a hormone responsible for raising the glucose level in the blood and preventing it from falling below a certain point.
Here are some examples of inhibitors of DPP-4:
GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. These drugs stimulate insulin production and reduce a person's blood sugar levels, inhibiting glucagon production and slowing down the emptying of the stomach.
This is likely because this class of medications helps to reduce hunger and cravings, making it easier to stick to a low-calorie diet and lose weight.
An example of an agonist for GLP-1 receptors is given below:
Meglitinides are medications that help reduce blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production. This class of drugs can be taken on its own or with other medicines, such as metformin.
The body quickly absorbs meglitinides, and they have a short half-life of less than 60 minutes. This means they show an immediate effect and are effective for a short time. As a result, they are used to regulate blood sugar levels after meals. Doctors typically suggest taking meglitinides about 30 minutes before having a meal. The two most common meglitinides are nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin).
SGLT2 inhibitors work by preventing glucose from being reabsorbed by the kidneys and instead allowing it to be eliminated in the urine. This decreases the amount of glucose in the body and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
SGLT2 inhibitors include the following four examples:
Sulfonylureas, used to treat diabetes since the 1950s, are the oldest type of oral diabetes medication. These drugs stimulate insulin production from the pancreas, lowering blood sugar levels.
A few examples of sulfonylureas are listed below:
SulfonThiazolidinediones (TZDs) are a type of drug that works by influencing cellular metabolic pathways. By activating insulin and improving its effectiveness, these medications can help to lower a person's blood sugar levels.
Around one-fifth of people taking TZDs may experience undesirable side effects, such as fluid retention. Furthermore, taking TZDs may increase the risk of developing heart disease.
An example of a TZD is as follows:
People with type 2 diabetes may need to use insulin to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Insulin can be administered through several methods like:
Weight loss surgery is a viable treatment option for those with type 2 diabetes and obesity. It can help a person lose a significant amount of weight, which can, in turn, reduce their blood sugar levels and improve their overall health. It is essential for those considering this surgery to consult with their doctor to assess any potential risks and to discuss the best course of action.
To manage type 2 diabetes, a person may need to take medications to treat associated conditions, such as high cholesterol or heart disease. In addition, leading a healthy lifestyle can help manage the situation. This could include:
However, some people may choose not to make an appointment with a doctor and instead continue taking the medication with the side effects. This can be particularly true if the person's diabetes is managed well and the side effects are not severe.
People should visit a doctor right away if they experience any severe side effects from taking a medication. In sporadic instances, a person can experience a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing, fainting, having a seizure, or becoming unresponsive.
A diabetic identification bracelet is essential for diabetic people to ensure they receive the appropriate medical care in an emergency.
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term medical condition with no available cure. It poses serious health risks and can cause potentially fatal complications.
A 2016 meta-analysis that assessed data from more than 13,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes indicated that diabetes self-management education can reduce mortality rates. With proper management and the use of medications to control the condition, a person can lower their risk of complications and enhance their standard of living.
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