Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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NIDDM - Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the disease?
The most effective treatment for type 2 diabetes is a change in lifestyle, including the following:
A person with type 2 diabetes may also be treated with
oral medicines and/or insulin shots. Diabetes pills can work in four ways.
Careful monitoring and management help keep diabetes under
control and reduce the risk of long-term effects. A person with diabetes should:
Treating the complications of diabetes may involve many different specialists. For example, a person with diabetes may need to see eye, heart, foot, hormone, and circulation specialists. Dieticians also help people with diabetes by designing a healthy eating plan. Dieticians can also suggest healthy calorie intake levels and types of foods to eat.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
The oral medicines used for type 2 diabetes may cause weight gain, diarrhea, gas, allergic reactions, or liver damage. Some may also cause blood glucose levels to go too low. This condition is known as hypoglycemia. It can cause:
If this condition goes untreated, a person can pass out. The usual treatment for low blood glucose is to drink a sweet beverage or eat a sweet food. If low blood glucose goes untreated, a person may pass out or have seizures. Emergency medical care is crucial in this situation.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Although type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, it can be controlled with careful management. The person will need lifelong monitoring and treatment to help prevent serious complications.
How is the disease monitored?
A person with diabetes should keep all of appointments with his or her primary doctor, as well as other scheduled specialists. Physical exams, blood tests, urine tests, foot and skin care, routine eye exams, and routine dental care are all part of basic care for a person with diabetes. The main goal of treatment is to keep blood glucose levels as close to a healthy range as is safely possible. In general, ideal ranges of blood glucose levels are 80 to 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) before meals and 100 to 140 mg/dL at bedtime. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.