Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect the quality of life if left unchecked. But on the plus side, there are many treatment options available to manage and even reverse the condition. Yes! With the right approach, diabetes can even be reversed, offering hope for a healthier, more fulfilling life
Generally, the Treatment for type Two Diabetes involves a comprehensive holistic approach. This holistic approach includes lifestyle modifications, natural treatments, prescribed medications, reparative surgeries, alternative therapies, and regular blood glucose monitoring to manage blood sugar levels. There are many effective Types of Treatment for Type Two Diabetes.
Here is a comprehensive list of Treatment options for Type 2 Diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes
Taking a positive step towards managing and possibly reversing Type 2 Diabetes is not just about seeking treatment and taking prescribed medications on time. But, it is also about making meaningful lifestyle changes that can transform your overall health.
Embracing mindful lifestyle changes not only helps control diabetes, but also reduces the risk of complications like heart disease, kidney issues, nerve damage etc Healthier habits enrich your wellness quotient and keep your blood sugar levels in check. Additionally, they strengthen the glucose metabolism and enhance energy levels.
Most of these lifestyle changes don’t always involve elaborate efforts – even small, consistent changes have the potential to make a big impact. All it takes is the right mindset and a zeal to lead a wholesome life by making positive changes.
Let’s explore the practical and sustainable lifestyle adjustments that can make a real difference to improve the quality of life.
Practice Healthy Eating
A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats will boost immunity and enrich your overall health. This diet which is naturally rich in fiber and antioxidants plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and boosting metabolic health. While there, try limiting sugary foods and refined carbohydrates.
Consulting a dietician and having a tailored dietary approach in place is a good way to improve your overall health and glycemic control. You will also gain a sense of direction with regards to foods that are and aren’t allowed in a diabetic diet.
Regular Physical Activity
Engaging in regular physical activities will help improve insulin sensitivity and lower your blood sugar levels. Maintain consistency in an exercise routine, be it brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.
Such a dedicated routine will help your muscles use glucose more effectively and make your body more responsive to insulin. Exercise also releases endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ hormones – this helps to enhance mood and energy.
Weight Management
Losing weight can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce the need for medications. As per research, even a modest 5-10% weight loss can have a substantial impact in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering the risk of diabetes-related complications. Additionally weight management improves cholesterol levels, metabolic health, and the quality of life.
Stress Management
Stress doesn’t just affect the mind, but also one’s overall health. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can lead to frequent blood sugar spikes, thereby making it harder to control diabetes.
Practicing effective stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, aromatherapy etc play a crucial role in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Also, a dedicated exercise routine keeps your mind active and helps reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins. This in turn boosts energy levels, reduces fatigue, and improves mood.
Take Proactive Steps To Enrich Health
As part of the Lifestyle changes, some individuals go for natural treatments that have been proven effective to combat the ill-effects of Type 2 Diabetes – either through research studies or through experience shared by friends & family. These DIY options promote better blood sugar regulation and improve insulin sensitivity, while promoting overall health. They include,
- Vitamins & Minerals as Supplements
- Home Remedies using Herbs & Spices
Do consult your healthcare provider before opting for external supplements or home remedies. This is because – some supplements/herbal home remedies might interfere and reduce the effectiveness of prescribed medications.
Medications
Depending on the individual’s blood sugar levels and overall health, the doctor may prescribe one or more oral/injected medications. He might even suggest a combination therapy for faster results. There are regular advances in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment everyday and your healthcare provider will advise the best treatment option to suit your health condition.
1. Oral Medications
Metformin
Commonly prescribed to manage Type 2 Diabetes, Metformin primarily improves insulin sensitivity, helping your body to use glucose more effectively. It also reduces the amount of glucose produced by your liver.
It also decreases the absorption of glucose from the intestines, thereby facilitating better sugar control and reducing the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar.)
This medication also helps in weight loss and cardiovascular health. This is considered the primary treatment for Type 2 Diabetes.
SGLT2 Inhibitors
SGLT2 Inhibitors are a class of medications used to manage Type 2 Diabetes. Often prescribed alongside other medications like Metformin, SGLT2 Inhibitors block the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 in the kidneys, thereby preventing reabsorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
The effect is an increase in glucose excretion in the urine. This automatically helps lower blood sugar levels. Some commonly prescribed SGLT2 Inhibitors are Canagliflozin (Invokana,) Dapagliflozin (Farxiga,) Empagliflozin (Jardiance,) & Ertugliflozin (Steglatro)
On the flipside, they may not be suitable for individuals with certain health ailments like kidney conditions or dehydration risks.
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors are medications that block the action of the alpha-glucosidase enzyme in the intestines. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into glucose, and by inhibiting it, these medications slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.
This process helps reduce blood sugar spikes after meals. They are typically taken orally with the first bite of a meal to maximize effectiveness. Individuals using this medication should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels to assess its effectiveness.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin and decrease the amount of glucose produced by the liver. This oral medication can significantly lower HbA1c levels and post-meal sudden sugar spikes. On the downside, taking this medication while skipping or delaying meals might lead to Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Meglitinides
Meglitinides are oral medications that work similarly to Sulfonylureas and stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. The key difference is that the effects are rapid and for a shorter duration. They are typically taken 30 minutes before a meal and act quickly to control post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Bile Acid Sequestrants
Bile Acid Sequestrants are oral medications primarily used to lower cholesterol levels, but are also beneficial to manage blood sugar levels. These medications bind to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption into the bloodstream.
This stimulates the liver to use the cholesterol to produce more bile acids, which can help lower overall cholesterol. The binding process may also influence glucose metabolism, thereby improving blood sugar control. They are typically prescribed with other medications, especially if the prescribed medications are considered insufficient.
Saxagliptin
Saxagliptin belongs to a class of drugs known as DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors that help lower blood sugar levels. Before we delve into how it works, let’s talk about Incretin hormones.
These are a group of hormones that play a key role in glucose metabolism and are released from the intestines in response to food intake. Incretins help increase insulin release from the pancreas in response to meals and decrease glucagon secretion.
DPP-4 enzyme inactivates Incretin hormones, thereby reducing their effectiveness in stimulating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release. Saxagliptin works by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, which is involved in the degradation of insulin hormones. This helps in better sugar control.
Thiazolidinediones
Thiazolidinediones work primarily by increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat tissues, thereby helping your body to utilise insulin more effectively.
These medications activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, a type of nuclear receptor that regulates genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. This leads to enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced glucose production in the liver. This improves glycemic control.
2. Injections
Amylin Mimetics
Amylin Mimetics, often administered via subcutaneous injection before meals, are a class of medications that mimic the action of Amylin, a hormone that is co-secreted with insulin by the pancreas.
Amylin helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing gastric emptying, promoting a feeling of satiety, and inhibiting glucagon secretion (which often leads to high blood sugar) Amylin Mimetics helps improve post-meal blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, administered via injection, are a class of medications that mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1,) the key hormone for glucose metabolism.
They stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin in response to meals, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. They also inhibit the release of glucagon, the hormone that raises post-meal blood sugar levels.
Additionally they slow gastric emptying and promote a feeling of fullness. This way they effectively lower HbA1c levels and improve overall glycemic control. Some individuals may be at risk of pancreatitis due to this medication. Your healthcare provider will be the best person to advise of its suitability for you.
3. Inhalers
Inhaled medication is the new treatment for Diabetes Type 2. These medications mimic the action of GLP-1, enhancing insulin secretion in response to meals, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing glucagon release. For example, Technosphere Insulin Human is an inhaled powder that delivers insulin directly to the lungs.
So, as the latest treatment for Type 2 Diabetes goes, the options are aplenty. But, it is important to note that though inhaled medications can be a handy option, there are more effective oral and injected medications available to treat and manage Type 2 Diabetes.
Bariatric Surgery
Surgical treatment for Type 2 Diabetes primarily focuses on weight loss as significant weight reduction can lead to improved blood sugar control. In some cases, it can even lead to the remission of diabetes. Bariatric surgery is the most common surgical intervention for individuals with obesity.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
This procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine. The effect is restricted food intake and changes in hormonal regulation. The result is improved insulin sensitivity.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Prescribed for extreme obesity, this surgery involves removing a large portion of the stomach. This effectively restricts intake and positively affects hormones related to hunger and glucose metabolism.
Adjustable Gastric Banding
This surgery involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch, leading to restricted food intake.
Duodenal Switch
Carried out to facilitate weight loss and improve metabolic conditions. It combines some elements of sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal bypass, leading to significant weight loss and hormonal changes that can enhance insulin sensitivity. This surgery helps in significant weight loss, improved glycemic control, and hormonal changes for improved metabolic health.
Insulin Therapy
Insulin therapy is an important treatment option, especially when your blood sugar levels cannot be controlled adequately with medications or lifestyle changes. Insulin therapy involves administering insulin either through injections or inhaled medications, to regulate blood sugar levels. Effective insulin therapy can prevent Type 2 Diabetes related complications like diabetic ketoacidosis, neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular issues.
External Insulin can be categorised into
- Rapid-Acting Insulin
- Short-Acting Insulin
- Intermediate Insulin
- Long-Acting Insulin
- Ultra-long-Acting Insulin
Emerging Medical Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
With the advancements in medical sciences, innovative therapies and treatments are emerging, offering hope for more effective management of Type 2 Diabetes. Some of the latest treatment options are:
- AI-Assisted Diabetic Care
- Artificial Pancreas
- Gene Therapy
- Microbiome-Based Treatments
- Immunotherapy
Alternative Treatments
Alternative therapies can complement conventional treatments, manage blood sugar levels, and improve overall health. Some therapies like Kumbhak carry the possibility of Diabetes reversal too! How perfect is that?
Alternative Therapies include:
- Kumbhak Therapy
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Muscle relaxation therapy
- Biofeedback therapy
- Meditation
So, with the right strategies and medications, individuals battling Type 2 Diabetes can effectively manage their condition, even reverse it, and lead a fulfilling life. Even if your healthcare provider prescribes medications or surgery, go for a holistic approach and make significant lifestyle changes. This will give you a zest for life and improve overall wellness in the long-run
It will also ensure improved metabolic health and overall wellness. Consulting your healthcare provider on-time and choosing the best treatment options are the best pathways towards a healthier tomorrow.
