In type 2 diabetes, the body does not manage to use insulin optimally in order to maintain blood glucose levels. This is a condition called insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease with over 90% of the country’s population suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Here is what you should know about type 2 diabetes diagnosis and treatment.

1. Type 2 diabetes diagnosis
Diagnosis for type 2 diabetes is carried out with the help of the following tests:

• Glycated hemoglobin testing

This is the standard test for checking if a patient is suffering from type 2 diabetes. If a patient has an average blood sugar level result of 6.5% or higher, it is an indication of diabetes.

• Fasting blood test

The blood sugar level test done when fasting overnight is the next most important test to check for type 2 diabetes. Normal readings should be below 100 mg/dL. Any level that is between 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered to be borderline, and above 126 mg/dL is a sure sign of diabetes.

• Oral test for glucose tolerance

This is another diabetes diagnosis test that is most commonly done on expectant mothers. The patient is required to fast overnight and then made to drink a sugary liquid the next day at the doctor’s clinic. After this blood sugar levels are examined.

2. Treatment for type 2 diabetes

• Oral diabetes medicines

Metformin is the most common medication given to treat diabetes. It works by helping increase the body’s sensitivity to glucose, but it may cause nausea. Other medicines include Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides, which work toward making the pancreas secrete more insulin. SGLT2 inhibitors prevent the kidneys from flushing excess sugar back into the bloodstream and instead ensure that the sugar is excreted through urine.

• Insulin therapy

Some patients require insulin therapy to control their diabetes. Insulin therapy is taken via injections and works much faster than oral diabetic medicines. There are many different types of insulin that have different reaction times. Depending on the severity of your diabetes, your doctor will prescribe the insulin type that is best suited to your condition.

• Surgery

In rare cases, patients with type 2 diabetes and a BMI that exceeds 35 are advised to go for a bariatric surgery to lose weight. However, this surgery comes with complications of its own and is only recommended when there is no other alternative.

3. Self-care for type 2 diabetes
Diagnosis and treatment for type 2 diabetes needs to be supplemented by good home care and lifestyle remedies. Some tips for self-care include:

• Lower intake of sugar and refined flour

Increase your intake of whole grains, proteins, and vegetables. One should also minimize consumption of sweet foods containing refined flour like cakes, bread, and cookies.

• Dental care

Diabetes leads to an increased risk of gum disease, so brush regularly and get dental check-ups every six months.

• Regular check-ups

Make sure to get your blood sugar levels checked regularly by your doctor. Even if you check your own blood sugar at home, get the results checked by a physician.