Type 2 Diabetes: Understanding Symptoms, Treatments, and Options

More than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes, and the majority of those patients have type 2 diabetes. Typically, type 2 develops in adults over the age of 45, but in recent years, more younger individuals (including children) are being diagnosed with the condition. Controlling diabetes can be difficult, and patients often feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, new treatments can make management easier, and the resources on this page can help patients learn about their options.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms and Warning Signs

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic illness where the body can’t properly regulate glucose (sugar) absorption, which leads to high blood sugar levels. Over time, unregulated blood sugar levels can result in significant health conditions including heart disease, kidney disease, or loss of vision. Medicines that treat diabetes typically help to maintain blood sugar levels, preventing the most serious complications.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop slowly, sometimes going unnoticed for years. Some individuals do not experience any symptoms prior to diagnosis. Early warning signs may include:

• Increase in thirst and frequent urination
• Frequent infections and slow-healing sores
• Blurred vision
• Unintended weight loss
• Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands
• Areas on the body with darkened skin

These symptoms don’t necessarily indicate diabetes — for an official diagnosis, patients should speak with their physicians. Testing for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis typically involved a fasting glucose plasma test, a non-fasting glucose plasma test, glycated hemoglobin test, or an oral glucose tolerance test.

Currently, there is no cure for type 2 diabetes. However, treatment can reduce the risk of complications significantly, and with lifestyle changes and careful health management, a person with type 2 diabetes can live a mostly routine life. That process begins with research.

Finding Options for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Physicians typically recommend lifestyle changes to people with diabetes and people who are at risk of developing the disease. Frequent exercise, a modified diet, and regular blood sugar monitoring can be enormously beneficial for managing symptoms.

Diabetic patients often receive medication or insulin therapy to keep blood glucose levels within a safe range. New medications may make this process simpler for patients. Drugs like Xigduo XR, Glyxambi, and Seglujan have been introduced to the market over the past few years. These drugs often combine several proven diabetes medications to help patients improve blood sugar control. They’re not intended as an alternative to lifestyle changes, however — patients should work closely with their doctors to form an effective management plan.

New injectable medications may also improve diabetes management. Injectable drugs for diabetes use different formulations of insulin and hormones to address different needs; some drugs like Tresiba and Xultophy are typically injected once daily.

By using the latest medications, eating healthy diets, and exercising, many people are able to control their diabetes effectively. While not all patients are candidates for every type of medication, a physician can help a person with diabetes weigh the advantages and disadvantages of these drugs to make an informed decision.

Researching Information About Type 2 Diabetes

Many patients use the internet to learn about type 2 diabetes treatments and management techniques. Online resources can be helpful, but remember that medical decisions should be made with the guidance of a healthcare team — no website can provide a diagnosis or determine whether medication is appropriate.

Some tips for using online resources:

• Look at a variety of sources. Try to find at least 3-4 sites, particularly when researching new products or therapies. This is especially important when filling prescriptions for insulin or other medications online; pricing and product availability can vary greatly from one site to the next.
• Evaluate health claims carefully. There is no cure for diabetes, and some products may interfere with physician-approved treatments.
• Discuss any supplements with a physician. Some supplements can interact with diabetes medications or cause unintended side effects. While many diabetics take supplements, it’s important to discuss them with a doctor.

Diabetes can have life-threatening complications, so proper management is essential. Regular research can provide helpful info about recent advances. Again, not all medications work for all patients — but by understanding how medications work, patients can gain a better understanding of their options.

Controlling Type 2 Diabetes: What Patients Should Know

Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition, and patients should have honest discussions with trusted healthcare professionals before making major lifestyle changes or trying new treatments. With that said, online resources can be helpful for collecting information, comparing products, and finding discounted prices on certain prescriptions.

Patients should always look at multiple credible websites, particularly when looking at alternative therapies and new medications. With help from a qualified physician, the resources on this page can help people develop a better understanding of the latest treatment options and live more comfortable, healthier lives.