Type 2 and Diabetes Medications
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Monday, January 23, 2006 |
Q: "As a person with type 2 diabetes, I have worked hard to bring down my weight and I also exercise regularly, so why are my blood sugars rising? Does this mean I will need to start taking medication?"
A: Please don't think of this as a failure! These efforts at achieving weight loss and maintaining a regular exercise routine are commendable. However, diabetes does progress over time so an additional treatment approach may be needed. Although it is commonly thought that type 2 diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise, according to the American Diabetes Association, it is estimated that only about 15% of people with Type 2 diabetes are controlled in this manner, while 53% require oral medication, 12% require a combination of oral medication and insulin, and 19% use insulin only. Your doctor will determine what is needed to bring your diabetes under control. There are various oral agents that target different defects in diabetes, so it is possible this approach could be prescribed to help you.
Related Links
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
http://www.diabetes.org
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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