Treating Type Two Diabetes

There are two major aims in treating type 2 diabetes, these are:

• To decrease associated co-morbidities. These are conditions such as heart disease and stroke, which are the greatest causes of death amongst patients with type 2 diabetes.
• To keep your blood sugar level within as normal a range as possible. Ideally below 110mg/dL of glucose and HbA1c lower than 7%.

The aim of the treatment plan is to help prevent many of the complications of diabetes, such as eye, nerve and kidney problems.

The best way to treat patients with type 2 diabetes is by simple lifestyle modifications. This has been shown to be the best and most effective way of treating the condition. The main lifestyle changes that are advocated are to:

• Take enough exercise
• Eat healthily
• Stop smoking

This information will be given to you by your doctor, who will also give you an appointment to see either a dietician or specialist diabetic nurse. They can then help you to structure both your diet and exercise plans to help maximise your weight loss. Once you can maintain a steady weight and good diet, it is likely that your symptoms should subside and you will need no more medical help. Some doctors may consider giving you special drugs to help protect your heart. These include statins and aspirin amongst others.

Unfortunately in some cases your diabetes may not be adequately controlled just by diet and exercise alone. In these circumstances, your doctor may want you to take insulin injections to help control your blood sugar levels. If this is the case, your doctor will give you more information on this.

---

« Testing for Type Two Diabetes Living with Type 2 Diabetes »