How to Treat Type 2 Diabetes?
Unfortunately, the number of patients suffering from obesity and/or type 2 diabetes is growing globally. The American Diabetes Association recommends that all individuals over the age of 45 receive regular preventive screening (including tests for diabetes), as well as in the following cases:
- if you are under 45, but you are overweight or obese and have one or more risks associated with diabetes,
- if you have had gestational diabetes,
- if you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes,
- Children who are overweight or obese who have a family history of type 2 diabetes or other risky illnesses.
The answer to the question: "Can type 2 diabetes be cured?" depends on many variables, including the stage the disease is detected and whether there are concomitant diseases, etc.
In most cases, the treatment of type 2 diabetes requires a multi-faceted approach, including:
- adoption of a healthy lifestyle - proper nutrition (diet therapy) and regular physical activity,
- weight loss through diets or surgical treatments for obesity,
- medical treatments,
- constant monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific diet for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, for patients with this disease, it is important:
- to regularly consume small portions of food,
- to include fiber-rich foods,
- to select low-calorie dishes.
Your doctor can recommend foods that are suitable for you to eat, or you can refer to a nutritionist for advice on how to design an appropriate, custom diet.
Regular exercise is very important for losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, which in turn helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Before patients start it is important to make sure that they don’t have any contraindications when it comes to physical exercise.
Weight loss contributes to better control of blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. Obese patients may start to notice improvements in their health after losing as little as 5% weight. However, the more weight is lost, the greater the health benefits and the more effective the treatment of the disease will be.
If you are unable to maintain a stable blood sugar level through diet and exercise, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Surgical Treatment of Overweight
Weight loss surgery changes the shape and function of the digestive system. These operations help patients significantly lose weight and as a result improve their ability to cope with type 2 diabetes, as well as other concomitant diseases. Today, there are a large number of operations in which doctors take into account individual factors; most operations are minimally invasive interventions, and the implementation techniques are constantly being improved. Clinics in Turkey are among the leading medical centers in the world that perform contemporary bariatric surgeries. If you require information about weight loss operations tailored to your situation, please contact our coordinators, who will answer all of your questions.
It should be remembered that weight loss surgery is only one aspect of comprehensive type 2 diabetes treatment; other aspects include the introduction of proper nutrition and exercise, as well as the willingness to receive psychological help, if necessary.
Generally, weight loss surgery is one of the most effective treatments for adult patients with type 2 diabetes with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher.
If patients do not implement positive changes in their lifestyles, even the most modern surgical treatment will not bring the desired results.
Some patients with type 2 diabetes decide to take natural medicine, in combination with the conventional treatment offered by their doctors. It is widely accepted that the contribution of natural medicine, employing herbs or other natural products to the treatment of many diseases, can be immensely beneficial to the human body. Such measures should be discussed with a doctor, who should provide guidance after seeing how each individual's body reacts to the natural product or products being used; any contraindications should also be ruled out.
FAQ
Is it possible to cure type 2 diabetes?
Unfortunately, currently, there is no single medicine that can cure type 2 diabetes but the disease can be controlled and even remission can be achieved. The best treatments include eating a nutritious diet, taking regular exercise, maintaining the correct body weight, and attending regular preventive examinations arranged by an attending physician. If diagnosed at an early stage, the disease can be cured in some patients.
How long can you live with type 2 diabetes?
According to data provided in Medical news today, a 55-year–an old man suffering from type 2 diabetes can live for another 13.2-21.1 years approx.; normally men of this age live for another 24.7 more years approximately. A 75–year-old man with this disease can typically live for another 4.3-9.6 years approx. while the normal life expectancy for men of this age is approximately 10 more years. Undoubtedly, the more responsible patients are with their approach to the treatment of this disease, the longer and more comfortable their lives will be.