Type 2 Diabetes Management: Diet, Medications & Daily Routine

Dr.Monika Sharma, 2 mins read

If you or your loved ones have Type 2 diabetes, you may have heard somewhere that making lifestyle changes can help control blood sugar levels. Yes, that’s absolutely correct. 

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and occurs when the blood sugar gets too high. 

In 2024, India is estimated to have around 101 million people with type 2 diabetes, representing 14% of the global diabetes burden. The management mainly involves maintaining healthy blood sugar levels by lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring. In this blog we will explore how we can best manage type 2 diabetes.

1. Healthy Diet 

Eating the right foods is one of the most important parts of diabetes care. A diabetic person should be mindful of what and how much to eat. They should include the following items in their diet: 

• Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread.
  
• Fruits and vegetables, especially those with fiber.
  
• Lean proteins such as chicken, fish, beans, and tofu.
  
• Healthy fats from foods like nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados.
  

They should avoid taking refined grains like white bread, white rice, sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and sweet juices. Fried foods and packaged snacks should also not be consumed.

2. Medications 

Type 2 diabetes patients need medication to help control their blood sugar levels. These medications come in two forms: oral pills and injectable shots .

A. Oral Medications: 

Metformin is often the first line of treatment. Other drugs are sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors.

B. Injectable Medications:

Insulin is required if our body doesn't make enough insulin or if pills don’t work well.  GLP-1 agonists and GIP agonists are prescribed to help manage blood sugar and may even help with weight loss.

C. Weight Loss Medications:

If you are obese and concerned about your weight, your doctor may prescribe medicines like orlistat to support weight loss, which can also improve diabetes. Always consult your doctor before starting or changing any medication. 

3. Routine Plan

1. Exercise Regularly
2. Monitor Blood Sugar
3. Manage Stress
4. Get Enough Sleep
5. Regular Check-Ups

Takeaway!

Managing Type 2 diabetes is all about balance. With a good diet, the right medications, and healthy habits, we can lead a full, active life. If you have any questions related to the management of diabetes, you can consult our endocrine expert at Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, for the best treatment and guidance. Always stay in touch with your doctor, follow their advice, and make small changes every day that support your health.