Diabetes Treatments

There are several diabetes treatments available for those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes will often be recommended, sometimes alongside medications. Your course of treatment will depend on factors such as the type and severity of the condition. You should discuss your options with your doctor to determine which course of treatment is most suitable for you.

Metformin

Metformin is a type of biguanide medication that is prescribed as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. It is also sold under the brand name Glucophage. It was one of the first medications developed as a treatment for this form of diabetes and has been used successfully by millions of people for over 40 years. Metformin is thought to be the most frequently prescribed medication for Type 2 diabetes and is clinically proven to be safe and effective in its role. Metformin works by lowering the levels of glucose absorbed by the intestines and the amount of glucose that liver produces. It also helps the body to better respond to the insulin that it is able to produce.

Dr Hilary Jones discusses the diabetes treatment Metformin

Other types of prescription medications

Sulphonylureas

These tablets work to encourage the production of insulin in the pancreas and also help the body to respond more effectively to the insulin as it is produced.

Glitazones

These tablets also work to assist the body in responding to insulin by improving your body’s sensitivity to the insulin that is produced.

Prandial glucose regulators

These tablets stimulate insulin production by the cells in the pancreas. Though they can do this very quickly, their effects are not long-lasting.

DPP-4 inhibitors:

A relatively new treatment that works to block the action of an enzyme called DPP-4 to prevent it from destroying a hormone called incretin. Incretin is important because it assists the body in insulin production.

Alpha glucosidase inhibitors

These tablets help to maintain acceptable blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate of absorption of glucose from food in the intestines.

Lifestyle changes

If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, your doctor will probably make a series of recommendations regarding changes to your lifestyle which can help to control the condition. Such changes will likely include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and weight loss. In some cases, these changes are enough to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and you will not need to take any medication alongside them.

Type 1 diabetes treatment

Treatment for Type 1 diabetes will centre around ensuring your body receives a sufficient supply of insulin to keep a healthy blood sugar level. This is because no insulin at all is produced by the body. There are several different ways you may receive the insulin, such as in the form of injections or using a pump.

Monitoring your blood sugar level

If you have diabetes, it is very important that you monitor your blood sugar levels carefully. This means you will need to regularly check your blood sugar level, such as with a finger prick blood test. How often this is needed varies from one individual to another and will depend on factors such as the form of insulin treatment you are receiving. In some cases, the blood sugar level will need to be checked several times a day. If you are confused as to how often you should be checking your blood sugar level, you should discuss this with your doctor or a specialist who will be able to advise you.