Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Brisbane Northside

Genetics and having an unhealthy lifestyle are key factors in developing type 2 diabetes. Given the fast-paced life people lead nowadays, you might have developed this medical condition without even knowing. In fact, around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes, and 280 Australians develop the disease every day according to Diabetes Australia. It is important to pay attention to symptoms and get diagnosis and treatment in Brisbane Northside.

Type 2 diabetes is a life-long illness where your body becomes resistant to insulin. Glucose builds up in the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone created in the pancreas, transports glucose from the bloodstream and into the cells, which uses it as fuel. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas no longer produces the hormones needed to lower blood sugar levels. This leads to various symptoms and life-threatening health conditions.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Excessive thirst
Increased and frequent urination
Constant hunger
Lack of energy and fatigue
Dryness in the mouth
Weight loss
Blurry vision

You are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if:

you have a family history of diabetes
given birth to a baby heavier than 9 lbs.
high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
are over 40 years of age
overweight
and of Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, or South African descent

Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

While there is no known cure for type 2 diabetes, you can manage it by having a healthier lifestyle with the goal of keeping the blood sugar level closer to normal. Key components are weight control, diet and nutrition, and exercise.

Patients with type 2 diabetes are highly advised to avoid eating foods with high sugar content such as sweets, sodas, and fast food. Not only do these foods cause you to gain weight, they raise the blood sugar levels as well. It is recommended to take foods with a low glycemic index. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Also eat foods high in fibre.

You’ll also benefit from a consultation with a registered dietician to help with your meal plan and to help you set goals.

Exercise under a doctor’s supervision is important in managing type 2 diabetes. A combination of exercises such as aerobic exercises and resistance training helps lower blood sugar. It is recommended to have a snack before doing any exercise to prevent having low blood sugar. Medication may also be necessary.

Medications

Depending on each case of diabetes, your doctor could prescribe medication to control blood sugar levels. Those with type 2 diabetes are usually given tablets, in conjunction with eating healthy and regular physical activities.

Biguanides (metformin) help decrease the stored glucose produced by the liver and help the body improve sensitivity to insulin.
Sulfonylureas (gliclazide, glimepiride, and glyburide) stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin and are exclusive to type 2 diabetes.
Acarbose prolongs the absorption of carbohydrates after a meal, and must not be taken with an empty stomach.
DPP4-inhibitors (sitagliptin and saxagliptin) help pancreas release insulin and decrease the glucose released by the liver.
Thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) help lower blood sugar levels by increasing the effect of insulin, especially on muscle and fat cells.
SGLT-2 inhibitors promote excretion of sugar through urine to lower blood sugar levels and is also known to aid weight loss and drop in blood pressure.
Incretin mimetics (exenatide, exenatide, liraglutide) are taken as a daily injection under the skin. They promote release of insulin while blood sugar level is high and reduce glucose released by the liver.
Meglitinides (repaglinide and nateglinide) help stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and lower glucose levels after meals.

At Ubuntu Medical, we also do weight loss.