In our previous post, we talked about type 2 diabetes and its causes and symptoms. Today, we’ll talk in detail about its treatment and medication. Read on!
Type 2 Diabetes Preventive Treatment
The treatment of type 2 diabetes aims to lower the patient’s blood glucose levels and ensure that he does not suffer any complications. According to Dr Ahmad, principal investigator at Chicago Clinical Research Institute Inc. (CCRII), key precautions for treating type 2 diabetes include:
Physical Exercises
Physical activity is essential in treating type 2 diabetes as it helps keep blood sugar levels under control and lose weight. Exercise should be done at least three times a week if type 2 diabetes is uncontrolled, with very high blood glucose. In that case, exercise can cause the release of counterregulatory hormones, increasing blood glucose even more – so it is important to visit your doctor and always take the blood glucose medication before starting a physical activity. Patients with type 2 diabetes must always agree with their physicians on the best physical activity and frequency options. Remember that the idea is to favour light exercise because when the caloric expenditure is greater than the replacement of nutrients after training, there may be hypoglycemia.
Diet Control
People with type 2 diabetes should limit sweets and simple carbohydrates such as pasta and bread, as they have a very high glycemic index. When a food has a low glycemic index, it slows down the absorption of glucose, which is not concentrated in the blood. But when the index is high, this absorption is quick and accelerates the increase in blood glucose levels, generating hyperglycemia. Carbohydrates should constitute 50 to 60% of the total calories ingested by the person with diabetes, preferring complex carbohydrates (nuts, whole grains), which will be absorbed more slowly. It is also important that the diet of patients with type 2 diabetes is balanced, cutting excess fat and prioritizing the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
When exercising, it is important to check the glycemic control before starting the activity and choosing the best food. If the glycemia is very low, it is advisable to give preference to carbohydrates and avoid them if it is high. Food choice also depends on the type of exercise: long-lasting aerobic exercise (such as jogging and swimming) tends to lower blood glucose, necessitating a greater food intake.
Check Blood Glucose
Some people with type 2 diabetes need regular insulin measurements. It is necessary to have a glucometer at home, a device capable of measuring the exact concentration of glucose in the blood to make this measurement. There are different types of devices. Typically, the person pierces the finger with a small needle called a lancet. A small drop of blood appears on the fingertip. Next, blood is placed on a test strip that is inserted into the device. Results appear in about 5 seconds.
Your doctor or other diabetes professional will help set a schedule for home testing and goals for your glucose levels. Then, based on the test results, they will recommend meals, activities, or medications to maintain normal glucose levels. This procedure can help identify high and low blood glucose levels before they cause problems.
Manage Consumption Of Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol consumption is not prohibited for those with type 2 diabetes, but it should be moderate and always accompanied by food, as isolated consumption can cause hypoglycemia. This can cause nausea, body tremors, excessive hunger, irritation, and headaches. It is also important to monitor your blood glucose before and after drinking alcohol.
Avoid Saunas And Foot Baths
Type 2 diabetes affects microcirculation, damaging the small arteries (arterioles) that nourish the tissues, especially reaching the legs and feet. Due to this circulatory alteration, the risks of exposure to high temperatures and thermal shocks can aggravate or trigger angiopathies and other heart problems. In addition, diabetes affects the sensitivity of the feet, and a person may not notice very hot water when doing a foot bath.
Increase Eye Care
The retinal cells of patients with type 2 diabetes may show differences that are not found in most of those who do not have diabetes.
Control Stress
People with diabetes are more likely to have anxiety and depression. Patients may feel a sense of anxiety about controlling hypoglycemia, applying insulin, or gaining weight.
Cut The Cigarette
Diabetes and cigarette smoking increase the risk of a heart attack by up to five times. The substances present in cigarettes help create accumulations of fat in the arteries, blocking circulation. Consequently, blood flow becomes slower and slower until the time when the artery clogs. Furthermore, smoking also contributes to hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Take Care Of Oral Health
Oral hygiene after each meal for the patient with diabetes is essential. This is because the blood of people with diabetes, with a high concentration of glucose, is more prone to the development of bacteria. In addition, as it is a food entry route, the mouth also receives several foreign bodies, which, added to the accumulation of food debris, favour the proliferation of bacteria—brushing thoroughly and going to the dentist once every six months is essential.
Take Care Of Comorbidities
In general, type 2 diabetes is accompanied by other problems, such as obesity and overweight, sedentary lifestyle, high triglycerides, and hypertension. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor and also take care of these other diseases and problems that may appear along with type 2 diabetes. In this way, you guarantee your health and manage to control all diseases more safely.