How to treat Type 2 Diabetes?

The medications for type 2 diabetes are designed to: 1. Increase the insulin output by the pancreas. 2. Decrease the amount of glucose released from the liver. 3. Increase the sensitivity (response) of cells to insulin. 4. Decrease the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine. 5. Slow emptying of the stomach to delay the presentation of carbohydrates for digestion and absorption in the small intestine. When selecting therapy for type 2 diabetes, consideration should be given to: 1. The magnitude of change in blood sugar control that each medication will provide. 2. Other coexisting medical conditions (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.) 3. Adverse effects of the therapy 4. Contraindications to therapy 5. Issues that may affect compliance (timing of medication, frequency of dosing) 6. Cost to the patient and the healthcare system It's important to remember that if a drug can provide more than one benefit (lower blood sugar and have a beneficial effect on cholesterol, for example), it should be preferred. It's also important to bear in mind that the cost of drug therapy is relatively small compared to the cost of managing the long-term complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes. Varying combinations of medications also are used to correct abnormally elevated levels of blood glucose in diabetes. As the list of medications continues to expand, treatment options for type 2 diabetes can be better tailored to meet an individuals needs. Not every patient with type 2 diabetes will benefit from every drug, and not every drug is suitable for each patient. Patients with type 2 diabetes should work closely with their physicians to achieve an approach that provides the greatest benefits while minimizing risks. Patients with diabetes should never forget the importance of diet and exercise. The control of diabetes starts with a healthy lifestyle regardless of what medications are being used. WARNING: All the information below applies to patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. At present the only recommended way of controlling diabetes in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding is by diet, exercise and insulin therapy. You should speak with your doctor if you are taking these medications and are considering becoming pregnant or if you have become pregnant while taking these medications.