Type 2 Diabetes-Treatment Overview

Type 2 Diabetes - Treatment Overview

It can be scary to learn that you, your child, a family member, or a friend has type 2 diabetes or is at risk for the disease. Many people are shocked when they find out that they have type 2 diabetes. Others are relieved to know what has been causing their symptoms. It is normal to feel angry or depressed about having a serious lifelong disease, but remember that many people who have type 2 diabetes enjoy healthy, active lives when they are able to control their blood sugar. Exercising, eating healthy foods, and taking medicines all help control blood sugar.

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but there are ways to treat the disease. Even if you do not feel sick, you still need treatment to prevent more serious health problems.

Some people can control their blood sugar by changing the way they eat and exercising more. Other people also need to take medicines. Treatment for type 2 diabetes includes:

Changing the way you eat-to a healthier, more balanced diet.
Limiting saturated fats.
Limiting alcohol.
Limiting calories in order to avoid gaining weight, or to help you lose weight.
Exercising regularly to help your body use insulin better.
Checking your blood sugar at home to know when the level is above or below your target range.
Taking pills, if eating differently and exercising more do not keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. You may need one or more medicines to help your body make more insulin or to use insulin better.
Taking insulin shots for a while or for the rest of your life. Insulin is usually given in the form of a shot, and it may be used alone or with other medicines that are in the form of pills or shots.
Seeing your doctor regularly to make sure that your treatment is working and that you have not developed any serious problems such as eye, cardiovascular , nerve, or kidney disease.

Other important issues

If you have type 2 diabetes, you also need to:

Always wear medical identification to let health professionals know in an emergency that you have diabetes. Medical ID necklaces or bracelets are available from your doctor, your local pharmacy, or online.
Know how to recognize and quickly treat high blood sugar and low blood sugar.
Take extra care of your skin, teeth, feet, and gums.
Know how to care for yourself when you are sick.

For more information on managing type 2 diabetes, see the topics Type 2 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed and Type 2 Diabetes: Living With the Disease.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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