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Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose levels are significantly elevated. That is, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or does not produce it at all. If the patient was diagnosed early with diabetes, and the therapy was chosen correctly, then the patient is treatable and successfully controlled throughout life. Let’s talk about new methods of treating type 2 diabetes, how the treatment is carried out, and whether folk remedies help in the fight against this disease.
How is type 2 diabetes treated
After a patient is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, he is examined by several doctors: a cardiologist, an endocrinologist, and an ophthalmologist. Consultation of three specialists at once is necessary, since the disease can develop very quickly and be accompanied by complications. Also, additional consultations of related specialists are the international standard for providing medical care for diagnosed diabetes.
New treatments for type 2 diabetes also adjust the patient’s lifestyle, which is often the most difficult for overweight patients. Dietitians correct the type of nutrition, give recommendations on sports training, because without lifestyle correction, the effectiveness of therapy can be reduced.
Treatment of type 2 diabetes always involves insulin therapy and constant monitoring of blood glucose levels. According to indications, the doctor may prescribe control with a glucometer or continuous daily monitoring of glucose levels for several days. This is very important for patients with unstable glucose levels or frequent hypoglycemia, for pregnant women with diabetes.
Medical treatment of type 2 diabetes
Aisylu Latypova, endocrinologist, nutritionist, nutritionist comments:
“Currently, drug treatment is tailored to individual glycemic (blood sugar) targets, patient age, existing diabetes complications, and life expectancy. About 10-15 years ago, doctors did not have as many drugs in their arsenal as they do now. Every year, antidiabetic pills are getting better, they have minimal side effects, most drugs are used or injected once a day. Also, now there are a lot of combined drugs, when the patient needs 2-3 hypoglycemic drugs.
The doctor divides drugs into groups:
- stimulating the release of insulin by the pancreas;
- reducing the release of glucose by the liver and reducing insulin resistance;
- slowing down the absorption of glucose in the intestine;
- glucose-dependent secretion of insulin (there is no constant release of insulin, in this case the hormone is released only when blood sugar rises, i.e. after eating);
- decreased reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys.
“New generation drugs do not affect or reduce weight, but have combined effects. For patients with diabetes, it is important not only to keep blood sugar under control, but also to normalize fat metabolism and control blood pressure. For this, drugs are used that lower cholesterol, improve lipid metabolism, and antihypertensive drugs, which are also becoming more and better at the present time.
Insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus is used in the absence of a positive effect from all combinations of other drugs.
Insulin therapy can also be prescribed temporarily during pregnancy, in the treatment of complications of diabetes, in a serious condition of the patient, ”says the doctor.
Treatment of type 2 diabetes with surgery
– Bariatric surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes is used for obesity, namely with a BMI (body mass index) greater than or equal to 35 kg / m2. Surgical operations are performed by qualified surgeons, after consultation with specialist doctors, including an endocrinologist, surgeon, internist or cardiologist, nutritionist, psychiatrist.
After the operation, constant lifelong monitoring by specialists is recommended in order to compensate for the deficiency of micro and macro elements, vitamins, – says Aisylu Latypova.
Pumps and modern methods for measuring blood glucose
Insulin pump therapy is a method of insulin therapy carried out by continuous infusion (administration) of insulin using an individual wearable dispenser (pump).
The advantages of this method:
- high accuracy of insulin dosing;
- minimal risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar);
- reduction of punctures for insulin administration. The infusion system is changed 1 time in 2-3 days;
- less insulin required
- continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels in real time;
Insulin pump therapy is used more often in children, in pregnant women, in patients with type 1 diabetes.
– Self-monitoring of glycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus is carried out by glucometers. To do this, endocrinologists, nurses or diabetes school specialists teach the patient how to use a glucometer, fill in self-control diaries. There are a large number of various glucometers on the market now, and in some regions patients are provided with glucometers and test strips for them free of charge from the funds of the regional or federal budget, the doctor says.
Popular questions and answers
How often should self-monitoring of glycemia be performed?
● with constant insulin therapy also, additionally with physical
loads, if hypoglycemia is suspected (low blood sugar);
● when taking hypoglycemic tablets at least 1 time per day;
with diet therapy – 1 time per week.
Is it possible to treat diabetes with folk remedies?
Aloe vera
This plant has a strong anti-inflammatory ability that affects the metabolism and, accordingly, the level of blood glucose, cholesterol and insulin resistance. If a diabetic consumes the plant, they can lower several pro-inflammatory markers that wreak havoc on the immune system.
Also, plant molecules contribute to insulin resistance, can increase insulin sensitivity, which leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in A1C.
Sage
To alleviate the course of diabetes, sage wine is recommended, which you can cook yourself. Within two minutes, you should cook 100 grams of sage leaves in 1 liter of good quality. After preparation, let the drink cool and strain. It is necessary to use a glass of the resulting drink after each meal, herbalists advise.
After each meal, drink a glass of this drug for the treatment of diabetes folk remedies.
nettle root
Nettle root tea is a folk remedy for diabetes in Germany. The drink consists of 0,5 liters of water and 25 grams of nettle, it allows you to lower blood sugar levels. To make this tea, boil nettle root in water over low heat. Then you need to boil for a few minutes, remove from heat and strain. In this tea, you can add any berries and spices to taste.
Greens
Eating fresh greens helps lower blood sugar levels. Parsley and watercress are ideal for this. They can be eaten as such, or mixed with a little water and drunk as a smoothie.