Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the pancreas does not properly regulate blood sugar, affecting the body’s ability to turn food into energy.

When you eat, your blood sugar rises, signaling the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin allows your body to convert sugar into energy. In type 2 diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t respond to it properly, leading to high blood sugar. Over time, this can cause serious health complications.

Treatment for type 2 diabetes typically involves active participation. It usually includes lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and exercise, along with medications like insulin and regular blood sugar monitoring.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are often the first and most important step in treating type 2 diabetes.

Dietary Modifications:

  • Eat more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats (such as olive oil)

  • Reduce daily calorie intake, especially if overweight

  • Avoid sugary drinks; opt for water or low-calorie alternatives

Physical Activity:

Regular physical activity is also crucial. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise per week, which can be broken down into five 30-minute sessions.

You don’t need to limit yourself to traditional workouts—activities like hiking, recreational sports, or even walking are beneficial. In addition, aim for at least two days of resistance training per week, such as bodyweight exercises or weightlifting.

Balancing Medications with Lifestyle

Making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine can affect how your body processes insulin and blood sugar. For example, exercising more and eating fewer calories can lower your blood sugar, possibly requiring adjustments to your medications—especially if you’re taking insulin.

Always inform your healthcare provider about lifestyle changes so your treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly.

Medications

While lifestyle changes are beneficial, many people with type 2 diabetes also require medications to manage blood sugar. Needing medication doesn't mean you're failing—it simply helps you stay healthier.

Oral Medications:

Oral medications are pills or tablets taken with water. The most common starting medication is metformin, which reduces glucose production in the liver and helps the body process insulin more effectively.

Other oral medications may include:

  • Repaglinide (Prandin)

  • Acarbose (Precose)

  • Rosiglitazone (Avandia)

  • Linagliptin (Tradjenta)

  • Glyburide (Diabeta)

  • Tolazamide (Tolinase)

Injectable Medications:

Some people need injectable medications. These are administered with a needle, usually into the arm, thigh, or abdomen.

Injectables may include GLP-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonists, which can help control blood sugar and may also suppress appetite and support weight loss.

Insulin

Insulin therapy is sometimes necessary in type 2 diabetes, especially if your body stops making or using insulin effectively. Not everyone with type 2 diabetes needs insulin—some may need it temporarily during specific life events like illness or pregnancy.

Types of Insulin Delivery:

  • Injection pen: Injects insulin just under the skin

  • Pump: Delivers insulin continuously through a tube

  • Inhaler: Allows insulin to be inhaled

  • Jet injector: A high-pressure device that delivers insulin without a needle

Types of Insulin:

  • Rapid-acting: Works in about 15 minutes

  • Inhaled rapid-acting: Starts in 10 to 15 minutes

  • Short-acting (regular): Starts in about 30 minutes

  • Intermediate-acting: Starts in 2 to 4 hours

  • Long-acting: Begins in around 2 hours

  • Ultra long-acting: May take up to 6 hours to start working

Your provider will help select the best type and delivery method based on your individual needs.

Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar:

Taking too much insulin or not eating enough can cause dangerously low blood sugar, with symptoms such as:

  • Shaking

  • Sweating

  • Dizziness

  • Hunger

  • Confusion or irritability

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Anxiety

Finding the Right Treatment

Everyone responds differently to medications. If your current treatment isn’t effective or causes side effects, your healthcare provider can help adjust your plan.

Reasons to change medications might include:

  • Blood sugar is not controlled

  • Side effects are present

  • Allergic reactions occur

Many people will need to take medication long-term. Following your prescribed dosage is essential—too much can lead to low blood sugar, while too little can result in high blood sugar.

Living With and Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Managing type 2 diabetes involves more than medication and diet. These strategies can also help:

  • Monitor your blood sugar regularly: Especially important if you take insulin or don’t recognize high or low blood sugar symptoms easily. Follow your provider’s instructions on frequency.

  • Schedule routine check-ups: Regular appointments help detect complications early and keep treatment on track.

  • Manage stress: Stress can negatively affect blood sugar levels. Try exercise, relaxation techniques, or hobbies to manage it effectively.

  • Stay stocked with supplies: Ensure you have enough medication, testing tools, and other diabetes care items at home.

  • Include your support system: Educate family and friends so they can help you when needed.

  • Watch for complications: Monitor your eyes, skin, and feet regularly.

  • Know your symptoms: Learn the signs of high and low blood sugar and have a plan in place.

  • Consider mental health care: Diabetes can be emotionally challenging. Seek counseling or therapy if you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed.

A Quick Review

Treating type 2 diabetes requires a proactive approach that includes healthy lifestyle changes, consistent medication use, and routine medical monitoring. Whether you're using insulin or other medications, staying active and eating well will be essential. Managing stress and seeking support can also improve your quality of life as you navigate living with this chronic condition.