Blood-glucose monitoring

After diagnosis, blood-glucose levels will need to be monitored periodically with the A1C test. A1C indicates the average blood-glucose levels over the past two to three months , and better suggests how well the treatment plan is working than daily blood-glucose tests. Ask the doctor how often you need to be tested, and what your target level is, as this can vary based on a number of factors. Additionally, the doctor may order blood and urine tests to monitor your cholesterol, kidney function, and thyroid function. The doctor may also monitor your blood pressure, eyes, and feet for any other symptoms and complications.

Physical activity/exercise

Regular exercise and physical activity is an important part of managing type 2 diabetes and its related complications. Exercise can help maintain healthy blood-glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Exercise can also help burn calories, improve circulation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, increase energy, and lower stress. Here are some tips to make sure you get enough physical activity:

• Do whatever you can to stay active, including walking the dog, taking the stairs, doing chores or gardening, playing with the kids, going shopping, and working in the yard.
• Try to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day. Aerobic exercise keeps your heart rate elevated and may include power-walking, jogging, swimming, biking, playing sports, hiking, climbing, and dancing.
• Do strength training two to three times per week. Strength training helps build muscle and burn fat. Muscle burns more calories and uses more glucose than fat does, so strength training can be very beneficial in the management of type 2 diabetes. Strength training may include going to the gym and using free-weights or machines, taking an exercise class, doing resistance band training, or doing bodyweight exercises like pushups, sit-ups, and pull-ups.

Medication

Many people with type 2 diabetes can successfully manage their condition with diet and exercise alone. However, in more serious cases, medication and/or insulin injections may be needed in order to reach target glucose levels. The doctor may recommend oral medications that work in the following ways: stimulate pancreas to release more insulin, interfere with absorption of glucose by the intestine, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce glucose production by the liver, and helping the body metabolize glucose.

Weight Loss Surgery

Many patients with Type 2 diabetes are also obese. In this patient population, especially those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35, weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) can have a significant positive impact in their overall health and improvement in diabetes control. Bariatric surgery involves procedures which decrease the size of the stomach and change the way food passes through the intestines. For some patients, this type of surgery can actually cure diabetes permanently if they are able to sustain weight loss. Bariatric surgery is not covered by all insurances, but it is very important for you to talk to your doctor about whether you would be a good candidate for this treatment.