Diabetes Health Center
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.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Type 2 Diabetes Topics
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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