Type 2 diabetes

DIET AND WEIGHT CONTROL

Meal planning includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount of food, and eating meals at the right time. You should work closely with your health care provider to learn how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates you need in your diet. Your specific meal plans need to be tailored to your food habits and preferences.

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Managing your weight and eating awell-balanced diet are important. Some people with type 2 diabetes can stop medications after intentional weight loss, although the diabetes is still present. A registered dietitian can be helpful in determining your specific, individual dietary needs. (See diabetes diet.)

REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Regular exercise is important for everyone, but especially if you have diabetes. Regular exercise helps control the amount of glucose in the blood. It also helps burn excess calories and fat so you can manage your weight.

Exercise improves overall health by improving blood flow and blood pressure. It decreases insulin resistance even without weight loss. Exercise also increases the body's energy level, lowers tension, and improves your ability to handle stress.

The following should be considered when starting an exercise routine:

Check withyour health care providerbefore starting an exercise program.
Choose an enjoyable physical activity that is appropriate for the current fitness level.
Exercise every day, and at the same time of day, if possible.
Monitor blood glucose levels at homebefore and after exercise.
Carry food that contains a fast-acting carbohydrate in case blood glucose levels get too low during or after exercise.
Wear a diabetes identification bracelet and carry change or a cell phone for a phone call in case of emergency.
Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar before, during, and after exercise.
Changes in exercise intensity or duration may require modification of your diet or medication to keep blood glucose levels in an appropriate range.

MEDICATION

When diet and exercise do not help maintain normal or near-normal blood glucose levels, your doctor may prescribe medication. Some of the most common types arelisted below. Theyare taken by mouth.

Oral sulfonylureas (like glimepiride, glyburide, and tolazamide) trigger the pancreas to make more insulin.
Biguanides (Metformin) tell the liver to decrease its production of glucose, which increases glucose levels in the blood stream.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (such as acarbose) decrease the absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract, thereby lowering the after-meal glucose levels.
Thiazolidinediones (such as rosiglitazone) help insulin work better at the cell site. In essence, they increase the cell's sensitivity (responsiveness) to insulin.
Meglitinides (including repaglinide and nateglinide) trigger the pancreas to make more insulin in response to how much glucose is in the blood.