As you likely already know, diabetes has become an epidemic across the United States and abroad. It is estimated that approximately thirty million people in America suffer from diabetes. Type 2 just happens to be the most common. This specific form of diabetes is often linked to obesity and other poor lifestyle choices. As someone that suffers from diabetes, you’ll be required to take steps to keep your blood sugar at safe levels. The good news is that there are oral medications that can help. Within this comprehensive guide, you will learn more about Type 2 Diabetes and the various diabetic drugs that can help.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
First and foremost, you should learn a little more about the basics of Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. It is also a chronic disease that will usually impact the patient for the rest of their life. Those that suffer from diabetes will have an abnormally high level of sugar in their blood. Patients will need to test their blood sugar level on a regular basis, so they can keep it in check. Failing to do so could lead to serious repercussions.
Most Common Symptoms
Secondly, you should know what to look for. By familiarizing yourself with the most common symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes, you’ll have a better chance of getting treatment as early as possible. Believe it or not, you will experience few, if any, symptoms in the beginning. In fact, some people can go many years before they’ll begin to notice symptoms linked to this illness. Nevertheless, there are numerous symptoms commonly linked to high blood sugar levels. Some of these will provided below for your convenience.
- Infections of the bladder, kidney, or skin
- Frequent fatigue
- Intense hunger
- Increased thirst
- More frequent urination
- Blurry vision
If you experience a combination of these symptoms, you should meet with a healthcare professional immediately. If not kept under control, diabetes can eventually cause serious health complications.
Learning To Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Besides utilizing your type 2 diabetes medications as instructed by your doctor, it is also pertinent to make sure you learn how to manage the disease. It is vital to obtain the appropriate skills, so you can keep your blood sugar at a safe level. For instance, you should learn how to test your blood glucose. There are various machines that can help you take and test your blood. Simultaneously, you should begin managing your diet better. Knowing what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat will prove to be helpful.
You should also know where to purchase supplies and how they should be stored. Finally, you should begin increasing your activity level safely and taking steps to control your weight. While you may never overcome type 2 diabetes, these steps will help to make the illness manageable.
Eating A Well-Balanced Diet
Learning to manage your weight will prove to be vital. If you’re able to reach a healthy weight and stick with a well-balanced diet, you may be able to stop using your medicines down the road. This doesn’t mean that you no longer have diabetes, but you may not have to worry about taking the medications and this can make your life easier. In order to assemble a healthy diet, you’ll need to work with your primary medical doctor. They’ll help you determine how much protein, fat and carbs you should be consuming on a daily basis.
Then, you’ll need to go through the painstaking process of analyzing the labels on the back of your foods. Make sure your diet remains within the recommended levels set forth by your primary doctor. Obesity can lead to and intensify diabetes. Obese individuals that fail to stick with a healthy diet may be forced to undergo bariatric weight loss surgery.
Increasing Activity Level
You should also begin taking steps to increase your physical activity level. At first, exercising can be incredibly difficult, but it will pay off dividends in the long run. Exercise has a wealth of benefits, especially for diabetes type 2 patients. For instance, it can help you keep your blood sugar levels at minimum, without needing to take diabetes drugs. Simultaneously, exercise will improve blood flow, increase energy levels and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Finally, exercise can also help you manage stress. This combination will give you the ability to diminish the symptoms that you experience. Just remember that type 2 diabetes sufferers may need to take precautionary steps before, during and even after exercise. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor before starting an exercise regimen.
Different Types Of Diabetic Medications
Whether or not you know it, there is a wide variety of type 2 diabetes drugs. Most people are aware of insulin, but this is not the only medication that can help. A visit to your doctor is the only way to find the best form of treatment for your unique situation. Some of the most common types of drugs include alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, DPP IV inhibitors, Biguanides, Thiazolidinediones, and SGL T2 inhibitors. If you’re unable to control your blood sugar level with the aforementioned medications, you may be required to inject insulin.
In most cases, insulin will be injected under your skin utilizing a syringe. Alternative, there is a form of insulin that can be inhaled. Insulin cannot be taken orally, because the acid found in the stomach would destroy it.
Price Of Type 2 Diabetes Drugs
For individuals who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and prescribed insulin, you will probably be interested in the cost of the medication. Individuals covered under a health care plan with drug coverage, you will probably only have to pay a minimal co-payment. However, for those without insurance you will have to pay the full amount. A 100-unit vial of insulin costs on average $150 retail. A ten-unit vial will cost anywhere from $30 to $75, depending on the brand and pharmacy it is purchased from.
Many consumers choose generic brand medications, because they are sold at a much lower cost than name brand drugs. However, not every type 2 diabetes medication is available in in generic form, which means that it will cost you more money. If you have concerns about the price of the drug, you should consult with your physician and request a type of medication that is available in generic form. Canadian insulin is much more affordable than insulin produced by American-based manufacturers. The main reason for this is because the Canadian government puts a ceiling on the prices of drugs that pharmaceutical companies cannot alter.
Benefits Of Oral Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
There are many advantages of oral type 2 diabetes medications. Of course, if your blood sugar levels are unmanageable with oral drugs, your physician will prescribe insulin, which is administered the subcutaneous route. In order for someone to be able to administer the insulin properly, they will have to undergo a short training course. Diabetics also have to carefully measure out the insulin prior to administering it into the subcutaneous tissue. Insulin also has to be stored in the refrigerator and has a short lifespan of around 30 days.
Oral medications are premeasured for convenience, accuracy and to prevent medication errors. Tablets, capsules and caplets will have a lifespan of several years and do not need to be stored in the refrigerator. However, they must be stored in a cool environment, but you can stick them in your pocket or purse, if you are going to be away from home for a significant period of time.
