Methods of Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that causes the cells of the body to become unresponsive to the insulin hormone, resulting in high levels of sugar or glucose being present in the bloodstream. The goal of Type 2 diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels at a normal level.

Glucose Monitoring

• Type 2 diabetics monitor their blood sugar levels several times each day to ensure that they are within normal range. This is done by collecting a small sample of blood on a specialized testing strip that is read inside a device called a glucose monitor.

Diet

• A registered dietician assists Type 2 diabetics in developing a healthy eating plan of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains to keep blood sugar at safe levels. Because they are broken down by the body into sugar, diabetics learn to count carbohydrates in order to limit their intake.

Exercise

• An active lifestyle is an important part of Type 2 diabetes treatment as regular exercise helps regulate blood sugar. Doctors assist in developing individualized exercise programs for Type 2 diabetics that usually involve regular aerobic exercise.

Medication

• In some cases, doctors prescribe a drug called Glucophage that limits the amount of sugar produced by the liver in order to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Insulin

• Some Type 2 diabetics receive daily insulin injections to supplement their body's natural supply of the hormone.