By Juveriya Momin, Registered Pharmacist
Diabetes is a non-communicable condition that develops when your blood glucose, which is known as blood sugar, is abnormally high. Glucose is the primary source of energy for your body. Your body can produce glucose, but you can also get it from the food you eat.
There are mainly three types of diabetes, which are Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
With type 1 diabetes, your body produces little or no insulin. Your immune system targets and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The most common type of diabetes is type 2. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body’s cells do not use insulin correctly. The pancreas may produce insulin, but not enough to keep your blood glucose levels within acceptable ranges. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs while pregnant.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 8.3% of persons aged 20 to 79 had diabetes in 2014; 77% of cases worldwide were found in low- and middle-income nations. The prevalence of diabetes appears to be similar in men and women; however, it is higher in urban than rural populations.
Treatment objectives:
- Maintaining blood sugar levels within the target range
- Treating concomitant medical disorders (such as hypertension and excessive cholesterol)
- If you smoke, quitting is imperative.
Treatment:
Type 2 diabetes, if left untreated, can lead to a variety of health complications, including heart disease, renal disease, and stroke. You can manage this disease by changing your lifestyle, taking medications, and visiting your doctor regularly.
This illness can be managed by changing your lifestyle, taking medications, and visiting your doctor regularly.
Home blood sugar testing:
If you take insulin or certain oral diabetic medications that can lower blood sugar, your doctor may advise you to test your blood sugar at home. For those who control their diabetes with food alone or with diabetic drugs that don’t lower blood sugar, home blood sugar testing is typically not required. This device falls under diabetic care products.
Blood sugar control:
It’s critical to maintain target blood sugar levels. By doing this, long-term issues related to poorly controlled blood sugar may be avoided, such as issues with the kidneys, eyes, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
EXERCISE AND DIET IN TYPE 2 DIABETES
Diabetes control is based primarily on diet and exercise. A change in diet can help with blood pressure control, weight management, and insulin production and response in the body, among other elements of type 2 diabetes. The single most critical thing that most people can do to help manage their diabetes and body weight is to either completely abstain from all sugary drinks, like juices and soft drinks, or severely reduce their intake if this is not possible.
Exercise:
Maintaining a healthy weight or dropping pounds requires exercise. Additionally, it aids in blood sugar regulation. To make sure that the activities are safe for you, consult your healthcare professional before beginning or altering your exercise regimen. aerobic workout. Pick an aerobic activity you enjoy doing, like cycling, swimming, walking, or running.
Adults should strive for 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes or more, of moderate aerobic exercise most days of the week. resistance training.
Resistance training improves your strength, balance, and capacity to carry out daily tasks with more ease. Yoga, calisthenics, and weightlifting are examples of resistance training. Adults with type 2 diabetes should strive to engage in two to three resistance training sessions each week.
Role of medication:
All the diabetes medicines are available online, which you can have at your doorstep, only when you have prescriptions for medicines.
Metformin: The majority of individuals receiving a type 2 diabetes diagnosis will start taking this medication right away (example brand names: Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet, Fortamet).
It is considered one of the best diabetes medicines in India. Metformin decreases blood sugar levels by enhancing your body’s sensitivity to insulin. When using metformin, you should initially take one tablet once a day with supper, or your final meal of the day.
One to two weeks later, you can add a second dose, which you take with breakfast. After that, the dosage may be raised every one to two weeks. Metformin side effects – Nausea, diarrhea, and gas are common adverse effects. Generally speaking, these are not too bad, particularly if you take metformin with food. After a few weeks, the adverse effects normally get better.
GLP-1 and Dual GLP-1/GIP agonists: These are injectable drugs that primarily help persons with type 2 diabetes maintain their blood sugar levels.
This is one of the best tablets for diabetes type 2 in India. Some GLP-1 agonists can be used to treat obesity. This category is also one of the best diabetes medicines in India after Metformin.
Insulin: Synthetic insulin directly reduces blood sugar levels.
Fact And Questions
- Will exercising improve my diabetes?
Exercising is extremely effective in the management of type 2 diabetes. Always ask your doctor about exercise instructions to ensure safety and prevent dangers.
- What’s the leading cause of type 2 diabetes?
Being overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity.
- Is type 2 diabetes preventable?
Yes, you can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by shedding a little weight.
- Which medication is best for type 2 diabetes?
Metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza, and others) is typically the first medication administered for type 2 diabetes.
