Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus (Type-2) Even though there is no cure for diabetes, it can very well be kept under control by various combinations of the following methods. |
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1. Diet Low calorie, balanced, high fiber, low glycemic diet: This is the most important part of diabetes control. Total calories In your diet should be lower. Avoid simple sugars and sweets which have high glycemic index. By including high fiber diet you can lower the glycemic index of your diet. Cholesterol lowering is an added benefit of fiber. You should include all nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins and fiber in the diet. Fats and carbs can be slightly lower and protein can be slightly higher. Have breakfast, don’t skip meals and let your diet be moderate and consistent. For more info on diet for diabetes go to this page: 2. Exercise Exercise is another important factor for diabetes control which is often neglected because of the wrong perception of being difficult. You should do a moderate physical activity for 30 to 40 minutes daily on at least 5 days a week. For details about exercise options please visit our exercise page 3. Medication There are several categories of drugs administered for type–2 diabetes. They are called oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAS). They are:
There are several subclasses of these drugs; but all these drugs stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin and hence their name.
These drugs sensitize the liver for available insulin sothat liver slows the production of glucose.
These drugs slow down the breakdown of polysachcharides into glucose thereby slowing down the absorption of glucose from small intestine into blood. 4. Insulin injections Generally insulin treatment is given to either a type-1 diabetic or to a type-2 diabetic whose blood sugar can not be controlled using diet, exercise and drugs. This is the old school of thought for the treatment of Type-2 diabetes. Modern treatment regimen includes insulin treatment along with any or all other methods (diet, exercise, and medication) even during early stages of Type-2 diabetes. Insulin has no other side effects other than hypoglycemia (acute side effect) and weight gain (chronic side effect). These side effects occur in case of incorrect (higher than necessary) doses of insulin.
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