Lifestyle changes may help manage diabetes for some people. If the condition progresses, you‘re more likely to need medications that keep your blood sugar levels within the standard range. You may need insulin, even with medications.
Proper treatment for type 2 diabetes is crucial. If left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes may lead to chronically high blood sugar levels that could damage your organs and blood vessels.
Treatment for diabetes usually focuses on:
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Lifestyle adjustments for managing type 2 diabetes may involve eating a nutrient-dense diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking, and managing stress levels:
- Limiting refined carbohydrates: Replacing refined carbohydrates with whole grain carbohydrates may help keep your blood sugar from spiking. For example, you can replace white bread with whole grain bread or white rice with brown rice.
- Managing stress: Stress or anxiety may contribute to blood sugar spikes and make your diabetes more difficult to manage. Engaging in relaxation and grounding techniques could help with type 2 diabetes.
- Avoiding tobacco use: Smoking can accelerate blood vessel damage in people with diabetes.
Growing evidence also suggests that people who smoke are at a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to people who don’t use tobacco. - Managing your weight: In a
2018 study , researchers found that86% of people with type 2 diabetes who lost 33 pounds or more achieved diabetes remission. - Exercising regularly: The American Diabetes Association recommends regular physical activity for people with diabetes to help lower cardiovascular risk and maintain a moderate body weight.
Medications may help prevent complications of diabetes, such as eye, nerve, or cardiovascular damage.
You may need medications when your blood sugar can’t be managed with lifestyle habits alone.
Here’s a look at some of the most commonly used medications for diabetes:
| Medication class | Example brands | Description |
| Biguanides | Glucophage, Fortamet | Blocks the enzymes that break down hormones (incretin) that signal the pancreas to make insulin. Also slows digestion and the release of sugar into your blood from your food. |
| Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors | Precose, Glyset | Delays the absorption of carbohydrates in your intestines and lowers your blood sugar levels. |
| Dopamine agonist | Cycloset | Thought to change levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in a part of your brain called your hypothalamus. |
| Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors | Janumet XR, Onglyza | Blocks the enzymes which break down hormones (incretin) that signal the pancreas to make insulin. Also slows digestion and the release of sugar into your blood from your food. |
| Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists | Trulicity, Ozempic, Mounjaro | Helps your pancreas release more insulin when your blood sugar is high. Also helps slow digestion. |
| Meglitinides | Prandin, Starlix | Triggers the release of insulin from your pancreas after eating. |
| Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors | Invokana, Farxiga | Helps your body get rid of more blood sugar through your urine. |
| Sulfonylureas | DiaBeta, Glynase | Helps your pancreas produce more insulin. |
| Thiazolidinediones | Actos | Makes your tissues more sensitive to insulin. |
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. In the early stages, your pancreas increases insulin production to account for decreased insulin sensitivity. As the disease progresses, your body stops producing enough insulin, and you may need to supplement it.
Here’s a look at some of the
| Type | Time to take effect | Duration |
| Rapid-acting | About 15 minutes with peak in 1 hour | 2–4 hours |
| Short-acting (Regular) | About 30 minutes with peak in 2–3 hours | 3–6 hours |
| Intermediate-acting | About 2 to 4 hours with peak in 2–4 hours | 12–18 hours |
| Long-acting | About hours after injection with no peak | 24 hours or longer |
Monitoring your blood glucose levels helps you understand the effects of certain exercises or foods on your blood sugar levels. This can help you create a diabetes plan with a doctor.
A healthcare professional can advise you
You can check your sugars with a glucometer, which is a classic finger-prick test. Another option is a continuous glucose monitor that is inserted into your arm or abdomen. Monitors approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include:
- Guardian Connect system
- Dexcom G6 CGM
- Eversense CGM
- FreeStyle Libre
Type 2 diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes, medications, and insulin.
Some people are able to control their blood sugar with lifestyle changes alone. If the disease progresses, you’re more likely to need medications or insulin to help keep your blood sugar at a safe level.
A doctor can advise you on which treatment strategies are best for you.