Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in which the body cannot process insulin properly. It’s a chronic condition that can be controlled by eating healthy and physical exercise for some, but people with extremely high and serious levels are advised to take medicines and insulin.
Signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually appear slowly. Most of the time, people are living with these symptoms for years without being aware of the diagnosis. According to a survey South Africa has the largest relative increase in diabetes, which is about 15.5 million, of which 69.2% of people are unaware of their diabetic condition. Common signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision, slow healing of sores, and numbness in hands and feet.
Type 2 diabetes sometimes can be controlled with diet and exercise. However, if a person is unable is control it through diet and exercise alone, then your doctor will prescribe medications to control your insulin levels. These medications include:
Metformin: Doctors usually prefer this drug to type 2 patients in the first place. Its primary function is to lower the glucose level production in the liver. It also improves the sensitivity of the human body to insulin. This will help to use the insulin more effectively.
Sulfonylureas: It helps the body to secrete more insulin.
Glinides: The main function of this drug is to stimulate the pancreas to increase the production of insulin.
Thiazolidinediones: They are able to make the tissues of the body more sensitive to insulin.
DPP-4 inhibitors: They have a very modest effect as they help to reduce the blood sugar levels of the body.
All the drugs for type 2 diabetes have side effects, some more concerning than others. If you are having negative side effects, contact your doctor. Some of the side effects include:
In some type 2 diabetes patients, they suffer from a sudden lowering of blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycaemia. With this condition, a person starts to sweat, feel dizzy or weak. These symptoms can mean that your blood sugar levels are too low. It is important to work closely with your doctor to find the right treatment for you.