What are the treatments for Type 2 Diabetes? Let's find out in a simple way!

When your doctor tells you that you have Type 2 Diabetes, you may feel a little scared and anxious, right? It's normal to have many questions like "Will I never be able to eat sweets again?" and "Will I have to take medication for the rest of my life?" But don't worry. In fact, if you manage it properly, you can live a completely healthy, normal life. There are many treatments for this. Diet, exercise, and medication work together to control your blood glucose levels.

Today, let's talk about what treatment options are available to control diabetes.

What pills to start with first?

Often, when a person with type 2 diabetes cannot control their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise alone, the doctor will first start them on a type of medication. These work in different ways in the body. Sometimes just one medication is used, and other times two or three medications are used together. Let's take a look at the main types of medication used.

Combination Medicines

Sometimes it is difficult to control blood sugar with just one medication. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe two medications together. Now, two such medications are available in the same pill. For example, metformin and a sulfonylurea, or a DPP-4 inhibitor, come in the same pill. This can reduce the number of pills you need to take per day.

Treatment by injection

You may think, "Oh, no, no injections." But in some cases, especially when you can't control your sugar with pills, you have to use injections. Some of these are also good for your heart and help you lose weight.

• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: These are injections that act like hormones. They stimulate insulin production and slow down the digestion of food, making you feel full. They can also help you lose weight. Some, like Dulaglutide (Trulicity), need to be injected once a week. Some, like Liraglutide (Victoza), need to be injected daily.
• Insulin: You may need to take insulin for a short time, for example, when you have a serious illness or have surgery. Also, if your body doesn't produce enough insulin over time, you may need to take insulin from outside sources. Unlike in the past, there are now very easy-to-use insulin pens. Your doctor or diabetes clinic nurse will show you exactly how to inject yourself.

Even more important than medication - lifestyle changes!

No matter what medication you take, lifestyle changes are essential for the best results. This is really the foundation of diabetes treatment.

1. Lose weight: Losing 5% to 10% of your body weight can make a big difference. For example, if you weigh 175 pounds, losing just 10 to 18 pounds can lower your A1c levels (average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months) and reduce your risk of heart disease. You may also be able to reduce the amount of medication you take.

2. A healthy diet: There is no such thing as a "diabetic diet." The most important thing is to eat a balanced diet. You need to be careful about carbohydrates, fiber, fat, and salt. Be careful about the amount of things like rice, bread, and potatoes you eat. The best thing to do is to meet with your doctor or a registered dietitian to create a meal plan that suits you.

3. Physical activity (exercise): When we exercise, our cells become more able to use insulin. This means that the sugar in our blood is used for energy. It can be as simple as walking briskly for 30 minutes a day or doing household chores.

4. Get a good night's sleep: Lack of sleep is also a cause of high blood sugar levels. Therefore, getting enough, good sleep every day is also part of the treatment.

So, how do you choose the treatment that's right for you?

Your doctor will decide which of these many treatment options is best for you. He will make this decision after considering several factors.

• Your A1c level: If your A1c is much higher than your target, you may need to start something like insulin to control your blood sugar quickly. If it's only slightly high, you may need to start with metformin and lifestyle changes.
• Your overall health: If you have heart disease or kidney disease, you may also want to choose a medication that is more suitable for you, such as an SGLT2 inhibitor or GLP-1 inhibitor.
• Cost: Diabetes is a lifelong condition that needs to be managed. Therefore, the cost of medications is also important. Some medications are inexpensive, while others are expensive. Talk to your doctor about this openly.
• Your preference: If you don't like injections, you can see if you can control them with pills. If you're someone who forgets to take your medication, a once-a-week injection may be more convenient.