How Is Type 2 Diabetes Treated?

Author Scott

Posted on March 11, 2023

Scott is passionate about health and wellness, and enjoys writing on various topic surrounding these fields. Scott lives in Seattle and spends his free time restoring old furniture and playing pickleball with his friends.

Type 2 diabetes affects children and adults, and having the right treatment will improve your quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 90-95 percent of the 37 million Americans with diabetes have type 2.

Understanding the causes and some common type 2 diabetes symptoms are the first steps in determining the best form of treatment.

Read on for common causes, diagnoses, and ways that this type of diabetes is treated so you can get the help you need.

Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis and Causes

People with type 2 diabetes are “insulin resistant”, which means the body is not able to use this important hormone as efficiently as it should. This results in the pancreas needing to work harder in order to make the insulin the body requires to function normally.

As time goes on, type 2 diabetes can damage the cells of the pancreas and it may eventually be unable to produce insulin at all. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, starving the cells of energy.

There are several factors and causes that can lead to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. First, many people develop the disease if there’s already a genetic predisposition to developing it in their family.

Many patients who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are obese, whether it’s through a poor diet or genetics. Adults who are 45 years of age or older are also more vulnerable, however, children may also be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Certain races, including African Americans, Alaskans, Native Americans, and Hispanic or Latino people are also more prone to having type 2 diabetes. There are many different triggers and factors that could cause insulin resistance, so it’s vital to talk to your doctor if you’re concerned.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Since the body cannot use insulin to bring glucose to the cells with type 2 diabetes, it may cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms. Your body will eventually depend on alternative energy sources in the muscles, organs, and tissues.

This disease develops slowly, so you may not notice the symptoms until much later on. Early symptoms may include feeling hungry all the time, feeling fatigued, or having a general lack of energy.

Most patients with diabetes also experience frequent thirst and excessive urination. More advanced symptoms may include blurred vision or feeling a tingle, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet. Once type 2 diabetes progresses, the symptoms naturally become more severe and may even cause serious complications if left untreated.

Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

If a patient has advanced, prolonged, or untreated type 2 diabetes, these are just some of the most common complications associated with the disease:

Loss of vision and other eye problems known as diabetic retinopathy
Constant feelings of numbness in the hands, feet, arms, and legs
Serious kidney disease (also called nephropathy)
Gum disease and other dental problems.
Stroke or heart attack in very serious cases that could result in death

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

Most patients can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication. In fact, in some cases, type 2 diabetes can actually be reversed.

Start by eating a diet rich in fiber including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Getting regular exercise can also help many patients keep their type 2 diabetes symptoms under control.

Since one of the most common symptoms is excessive hunger, it’s important to learn how to stop eating when you’re satisfied to avoid overeating. You should also try to keep your heart healthy and manage your weight through proper diet and exercise.

Not every patient will need to use insulin as long as the pancreas is making enough. Most patients must monitor their blood sugar and glucose levels daily using a test kit. Keep track of your results so you can manage your symptoms and medication.

Type 2 Diabetes Medicine

Living with diabetes means that you may need to take certain medications to manage the disease. Here are some examples of common type 2 diabetes medications your doctor might prescribe.

Metformin is a common drug that may help to lower blood glucose levels and improve how the body responds to insulin
Sulfonylureas is an oral medication that can help your body make more insulin when you need it
Meglitinides are short-duration drugs that act fast to stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DDP-4) inhibitors are mild medications that may help reduce blood glucose levels in some patients
Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists slow digestion to help improve blood glucose levels
Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors help the kidneys remove excess sugar in the body through urine

It’s important to note that each of these medications may cause side effects, and it could take time to determine which one is the best option for you. Make sure that your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are good. If not, you may need additional medications to keep those in check.

Patients who cannot make enough insulin on their own may need to supplement with insulin therapy. Long-acting injections can be taken at night for some patients, while others may need to take it several times a day.

Find the Right Treatment for You

If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, work closely with your doctor to find the right treatment to ease your symptoms. Remember to supplement any medicine you take with a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising every day and a healthy diet.

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