Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects the way that the body uses and processes glucose, or sugar. About 23.6 million Americans have diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). As many as 90 to 95 percent of diabetics suffer from type 2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity, aging, lack of exercise and a family history of diabetes. The treatment for type 2 diabetes is relatively simple, focusing primarily on lifestyle changes to reduce insulin resistance and manage blood glucose levels.
Weight Loss
The NDIC says that as many as 80 percent of type 2 diabetics are overweight, so one of the keys to type 2 diabetes management is working towards a healthy body weight. Achieve weight loss through a healthy, low-calorie and low-fat diet and regular exercise. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight may eliminate the need for medications for some type 2 diabetics.
Getting Active
Exercise is another key component of type 2 diabetes treatment. Regular exercise can burn calories and help encourage weight loss, but it also manages blood glucose levels. Exercise prevents blood glucose levels from getting too high ("high blood sugar"), a major goal of type 2 diabetes treatment.
Dietary Changes
Diabetes requires a carefully regulated diet. Meet with a nutritionist or your doctor to determine the best diet for your needs, and to understand which foods to avoid to keep blood sugar levels healthy. Diabetics must control how many carbohydrates, fats and proteins they eat. Diabetics must also regulate portion sizes and set a schedule for meals and snacks to keep blood sugar levels steady.
Medications
Unfortunately, lifestyle changes aren't always enough to treat type 2 diabetes, but there are medications available to help manage it. Oral medications can help manage blood glucose or increase insulin production. Injecting insulin medications can also help lower blood glucose. A combination of both oral medications and injected insulin are often needed for the most successful treatment of type 2 diabetes.
