Read up on Diabetes, type 2 treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Diabetes, type 2

Key points about treatments

There isn't a cure for diabetes. But treatments can help you lead a long and healthy life. One of these treatments is keeping the amount of glucose in your blood as close to normal as possible. If your glucose gets too high or too low, you can get sick.

Keeping your blood glucose (sugar) level close to normal can also prevent some of the extra problems linked with diabetes. Doctors call these complications (to learn more, see What will happen to me?). And if you already have complications, controlling your blood glucose might stop some of them from getting worse.

Most people who get this type of diabetes are over 40, although it can sometimes affect younger people, and even children. You might be able to control your blood glucose (sugar) by watching what you eat or taking pills. But some people need to have insulin injections. Whatever way you treat your diabetes, leading a healthy lifestyle will help you stay well.

Key points about treating type 2 diabetes

The best way to treat your diabetes is usually to keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. This is called tight control. It can help you stay healthy and avoid complications.
To keep your glucose levels under tight control, you need to watch what you eat and exercise regularly.
Every few months, your doctor will measure your hemoglobin A1c level. This is like your average blood glucose level. You may hear this called just "A1C."
You will probably have to take diabetes pills at some point. Examples of some kinds of pills for diabetes are metformin, sulfonylureas and meglitinides.
You can take two types of pills togetherif you need to. But you might get more bouts of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) if you do this.
Learning about diabetes and sticking to your treatment plan will probably help you control your blood glucose better.
If pills stop working, you can have insulin injections or use an insulin pump. But you might get hypoglycemia more often and gain more weight than with pills.
As well as treating your diabetes, your doctor will suggest keeping a check on your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and general health. If you smoke, your doctor can help you to quit.

This information was last updated on May 11, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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