Which type 2 diabetes blogs offer the most valuable information in 2022. How can online communities support diabetes management. What role do nutrition and exercise play in type 2 diabetes care. Where can you find credible advice on living with type 2 diabetes.

The Power of Online Communities for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Living with type 2 diabetes can be challenging, but connecting with others who share similar experiences can make a significant difference. Online communities and blogs dedicated to type 2 diabetes have emerged as valuable resources for information, support, and motivation. These platforms offer a wealth of knowledge from both healthcare professionals and individuals living with the condition, creating a supportive environment for those seeking to manage their diabetes effectively.

Research has shown that participating in diabetes online communities (DOCs) can have positive effects on diabetes management. A comprehensive review of 47 studies, published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology in March 2019, revealed that engagement in DOCs may increase the likelihood of developing diabetes-friendly habits. These habits include adopting healthier eating patterns, engaging in regular exercise, performing consistent blood sugar checks, and adhering to prescribed insulin regimens.

Furthermore, the study found that participation in these online communities was associated with either a neutral or improved A1C level. This finding underscores the potential benefits of virtual support networks in helping individuals achieve better glycemic control.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Diabetes Management

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional challenges for individuals with type 2 diabetes. As highlighted by the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes face a higher risk of complications from COVID-19. This increased vulnerability makes effective diabetes management even more crucial during these times.

A study conducted in the Netherlands, published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care in January 2021, shed light on the relationship between stress and blood sugar control during the pandemic. The research involved over 400 participants with relatively well-controlled type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, those who reported greater difficulty in managing their blood sugar levels during the first two to three months of lockdown in spring 2020 also experienced higher stress levels compared to their counterparts.

These findings emphasize the importance of stress management and support systems in maintaining optimal diabetes control, especially during challenging times like a global pandemic. Online communities and blogs can serve as valuable resources for coping strategies, stress reduction techniques, and peer support during such periods.

Reversing T2D: A Plant-Based Approach to Diabetes Management

Among the notable type 2 diabetes blogs to watch in 2022 is “Reversing T2D.” This platform is run by a dynamic duo: Diana Licalzi, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist based in Boulder, Colorado, and Jose Tejero, an exercise physiologist and Ironman athlete from Rockville, Maryland. Their blog offers a unique perspective by combining nutrition advice with exercise strategies to help individuals delay or potentially reverse the progression of type 2 diabetes.

The “Reversing T2D” blog has gained significant traction on social media platforms, boasting over 157,000 followers on TikTok and 27,200 followers on Instagram. Their content focuses on providing practical tips and hacks for adopting a plant-based diet, maintaining an active lifestyle, and managing daily challenges associated with type 2 diabetes.

One of their standout blog posts, “The Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Blood Sugar & Type 2 Diabetes,” offers an in-depth analysis of the latest research on the subject. Another recommended read is “How Insulin Resistance Leads to Type 2 Diabetes,” which provides a comprehensive explanation of the root causes of type 2 diabetes and the development of insulin resistance.

While the blog advocates strongly for a plant-based diet, it’s important to note that this is just one of several eating plans recognized by the American Diabetes Association as beneficial for managing or reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Other effective dietary approaches include low-carbohydrate diets, the Mediterranean diet, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

Type2Diabetes.com: Video-Based Education and Support

For those who prefer visual learning, Type2Diabetes.com and its companion YouTube channel offer a wealth of video content. The site is run by Toby Smithson, RDN, CDCES, from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Smithson has a talent for breaking down complex topics into easily digestible information, presenting it in a cheerful and engaging manner.

Smithson’s approach is encapsulated in her brand “Diabetes EveryDay,” which focuses on providing free, accessible information for the day-to-day questions that arise when managing diabetes. Although Smithson herself has type 1 diabetes, her content offers valuable insights for those with type 2 diabetes as well. Topics covered include the importance of dietary fiber, strategies for incorporating sweets into a diabetes-friendly diet without causing blood sugar spikes, and much more.

For those interested in exploring Smithson’s content, she recommends starting with videos such as “Looking for Hidden Sugar” and “5 Basic Must-Do’s for Managing Your Diabetes.” These videos provide a solid foundation for understanding key aspects of diabetes management.

The Role of Nutrition in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing type 2 diabetes, and many of the top diabetes blogs focus heavily on this aspect. But what exactly constitutes a diabetes-friendly diet? While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, certain dietary patterns have shown promise in helping to manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.

Plant-based diets, as advocated by blogs like “Reversing T2D,” have gained attention for their potential benefits in diabetes management. These diets typically emphasize whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and nuts while minimizing or eliminating animal products. The high fiber content and abundance of antioxidants in plant-based diets may contribute to improved insulin sensitivity and better glycemic control.

However, it’s important to note that other dietary approaches can also be effective. Low-carbohydrate diets, for instance, focus on reducing overall carbohydrate intake to help manage blood sugar levels. The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, fish, and vegetables, has been associated with improved cardiovascular health and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Regardless of the specific dietary approach, most diabetes-friendly eating plans share some common principles:

• Emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods
• Controlling portion sizes
• Balancing macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats)
• Increasing fiber intake
• Limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates

It’s crucial for individuals with type 2 diabetes to work closely with their healthcare providers or registered dietitians to develop a personalized nutrition plan that suits their specific needs and preferences.

Exercise and Physical Activity: A Key Component of Diabetes Management

While nutrition often takes center stage in diabetes management discussions, the importance of regular physical activity cannot be overstated. Many top diabetes blogs, including “Reversing T2D,” emphasize the role of exercise in managing blood sugar levels and improving overall health for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits for people with type 2 diabetes:

1. Improved insulin sensitivity: Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively, leading to better blood sugar control.
2. Lower blood sugar levels: Physical activity can help lower blood glucose both during and after exercise.
3. Weight management: Regular exercise supports weight loss or maintenance, which is often crucial for diabetes management.
4. Reduced cardiovascular risk: Exercise improves heart health, which is particularly important for individuals with diabetes who are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
5. Stress reduction: Physical activity can help alleviate stress, which may indirectly contribute to better blood sugar control.

But what type of exercise is best for individuals with type 2 diabetes? The American Diabetes Association recommends a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training for optimal benefits. Aerobic activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can improve cardiovascular health and help lower blood sugar levels. Strength training, on the other hand, can increase muscle mass, which in turn can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise, especially for those who have been sedentary. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen, particularly if you have any diabetes-related complications or other health concerns.

Leveraging Technology for Diabetes Management

In the digital age, technology has become an invaluable tool for managing type 2 diabetes. Many diabetes blogs and online communities discuss the latest technological advancements that can aid in diabetes care. These innovations range from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to smartphone apps designed for tracking blood sugar levels, diet, and exercise.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management by providing real-time blood sugar data throughout the day and night. This technology allows individuals to see how their blood sugar levels respond to different foods, activities, and medications, enabling more informed decision-making about diabetes management.

Smartphone apps have also become increasingly popular among individuals with type 2 diabetes. These apps can help with various aspects of diabetes management:

• Blood sugar tracking and analysis
• Meal planning and carbohydrate counting
• Medication reminders
• Exercise logging
• Goal setting and progress tracking

Some popular diabetes management apps include MySugr, Glucose Buddy, and One Drop. Many diabetes bloggers review these technologies and share their personal experiences, providing valuable insights for those considering integrating these tools into their diabetes management routine.

While technology can be a powerful ally in diabetes care, it’s important to remember that these tools are meant to supplement, not replace, guidance from healthcare professionals. Always discuss the use of any new technology or app with your diabetes care team to ensure it aligns with your overall treatment plan.

Mental Health and Diabetes: Addressing the Psychological Aspects

Living with type 2 diabetes isn’t just about managing blood sugar levels; it also involves navigating the psychological and emotional challenges that come with a chronic condition. Many diabetes blogs are increasingly focusing on the mental health aspects of diabetes management, recognizing the significant impact that stress, anxiety, and depression can have on overall diabetes care.

The relationship between diabetes and mental health is bidirectional. The demands of managing diabetes can lead to diabetes distress, a condition characterized by feelings of overwhelm, frustration, or burnout related to living with diabetes. Conversely, mental health conditions like depression or anxiety can make it more challenging to adhere to diabetes self-care routines, potentially leading to poorer glycemic control.

Some common mental health challenges faced by individuals with type 2 diabetes include:

• Diabetes distress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Fear of hypoglycemia

Many diabetes blogs address these issues by sharing personal stories, coping strategies, and resources for seeking professional help. They emphasize the importance of self-compassion and remind readers that struggling with the emotional aspects of diabetes is normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

Some strategies for managing the psychological aspects of diabetes that are often discussed in diabetes blogs include:

1. Mindfulness and meditation practices
2. Joining support groups or online communities
3. Seeking counseling or therapy
4. Practicing stress-reduction techniques
5. Engaging in regular physical activity
6. Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of living with type 2 diabetes, these blogs provide a more holistic approach to diabetes management, acknowledging that true wellness encompasses both mind and body.

10 Type 2 Diabetes Blogs to Watch in 2022

Type 2 diabetes is not a disease to approach passively or alone. (Easier said than done, we know.) The good news is that there are a number of diabetes blogs and social media accounts that are packed with credible, informative, and inspiring advice. They can motivate you to stay on track with your health goals, whether that’s lowering your A1C, overhauling your diet, losing weight, or something else.

Such support is especially important while COVID-19 remains prevalent. That’s because diabetes puts you at a higher risk of complications of the disease, as the American Diabetes Association has warned. Also, stress caused by the pandemic may affect your ability to manage your blood sugar. More than 400 people with relatively well controlled type 1 and type 2 diabetes participated in a Netherlands-based study published in January 2021 in BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care, and those who reported having more difficulty controlling their blood sugar during the first two to three months of lockdown in spring 2020 also reported higher stress than the others.

RELATED: 10 Diabetes Care Tips During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Building virtual kinship with others who are living with diabetes may help with blood sugar management. According to a review of 47 studies published in March 2019 in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, participation in what’s called a diabetes online community (DOC), to which bloggers can belong, may increase the likelihood a person will develop diabetes-friendly habits, such as healthy eating, exercise, regular blood sugar checks, and taking insulin as prescribed. What’s more, participation was linked to a neutral or improved A1C.

Ready to jump in? We’ve rounded up some of the best type 2 diabetes blogs and accounts to check out in 2022. They’ll help you feel more educated and connected — during the current pandemic and beyond.

1. Reversing T2D

The duo behind Reversing T2D combine nutrition and exercise advice to help people delay or reverse the progression of type 2 diabetes. Diana Licalzi is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes care and education specialist ba

sed in Boulder, Colorado, and Jose Tejero is an exercise physiologist and Ironman athlete who lives in Rockville, Maryland. Their blog contains tips and hacks for plant-based eating, staying physically active, and managing everyday tasks with the disease. “We each saw a crucial need for more education and care in the diabetes space, and knew we wanted to offer more than what is provided in the traditional healthcare system,” Licalzi explains. Together they’ve garnered more than 157,000 TikTok followers and 27,200 Instagram followers.

If you visit their blog, check out “The Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Blood Sugar & Type 2 Diabetes,” says Licalzi. “This post does a great job dissecting the latest research.” She also recommends “How Insulin Resistance Leads to Type 2 Diabetes. ” “It explains the root cause of type 2 diabetes, and how insulin resistance develops and leads to the development of pre- and type 2 diabetes,” she explains. Their blog clearly favors a plant-based diet, which is incorporated into courses and programs that they sell elsewhere on their website. The American Diabetes Association says a plant-based diet is among several eating plans that can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes or help manage it, with others including low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets.

RELATED: The Best and Worst Foods to Eat in a Type 2 Diabetes Diet

2. Type2Diabetes.com

If you like watching videos to absorb advice and get tips, this site and companion YouTube channel will be right up your alley. Toby Smithson, RDN, CDCES, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, has a knack for explaining complex topics in simple and cheerful ways. “Diabetes needs to be managed every day. That’s where I came up with my brand Diabetes EveryDay. My videos and website are there — at no cost — for those day-to-day questions that arise while managing diabetes,” says Smithson. She has type 1 diabetes, but offers plenty of information that is relevant for those with the type 2 condition, such as the importance of fiber in your diet or how to keep sweets in your life without spiking your blood sugar.

Watch the videos on Diabetes EveryDay if you also want to see the transcripts, or go to her YouTube channel, which has nearly 4,000 subscribers, for a streamlined experience. She recommends checking out “Looking for Hidden Sugar” and “5 Basic Must-Do’s for Managing Your Diabetes” first.

RELATED: The Best Diabetes Apps for Managing Blood Glucose, Food Intake, and More

4. Diabetes Team

If you’re strictly interested in engaging with other people who have type 2 diabetes, this online community may be for you. A good launching point is Diabetes Team’s Resources page, where you can access several articles and guides for living with the disease and staying safe in the COVID-19 era.

Then when you are ready to jump in and share your experiences, advice, and emotional support, go to their homepage and sign up for free. (Just a heads-up: The site may keep you logged in after you have registered.) There, new articles are interspersed with member posts about everyday living, concerns about health, and messages of support. You can connect with others who have interests in common by adding them to your “team.” “More than 116,000 registered members rely on the Diabetes Team web and mobile apps for meaningful connection and trusted information,” says Michelle Cox, a spokesperson for the San Francisco parent company, My Health Teams.

5. DiaTribe Learn

The Diabetic Foodie blog, which comes from the Diabetes Strong team, aims to show readers that “a diabetes diagnosis is not a dietary death sentence.” The founder, Shelby Kinnaird, another self-proclaimed foodie and person living with type 2 diabetes, created the blog to turn that mindset around. You’ll find a plethora of incredible recipes for dinners, side dishes, condiments, desserts, beverages, breads, and more.

Most of the meal recipes contain fewer than 400 calories per portion, with less than 45 grams of carbohydrates, and focus on providing lean proteins, nonstarchy vegetables, and healthy fats. There are special sections for paleo, vegan, and gluten-free eaters. Get inspired by the blog’s stunning pictures of popular dishes, such as Low-Carb Chicken Cacciatore, and tempting sweets like the gluten-free, keto-friendly brownies made with avocado.

RELATED: 7 Low-Carb Diet Mistakes to Avoid When You Have Type 2 Diabetes

8. Diabetes Self-Management

Acting as a go-to source for all things diabetes, the Diabetes Self-Management blog is more than just a place for personal stories and recipes (which it also has, by the way). Stop first at the News and Research section for timely information about the latest developments related to diabetes in the COVID-19 era. Then go to the type 2 diabetes section for relevant updates and advice. If you’re feeling peckish, check out the mouthwatering recipes, such as Greek Lemon Chicken and Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies. Finally, during these stressful times, peruse their advice for managing your mental wellness.

9. Wildly Fluctuating

Wildly Fluctuating is on a mission to raise diabetes awareness and debunk every misleading headline you’ve read online. Managed by Gretchen Becker, a health writer in Halifax, Vermont, with type 2 diabetes and the coauthor of The Four Corners Diet, Wildly Fluctuating reviews new developments such as emerging research about the newly identified fabkin hormone, which may be involved in the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She also places them in context (“a lot more research needs to be done before fabkin wipes out diabetes”). What is most refreshing about the blog is her willingness to grapple openly with the daily frustrations of life with diabetes. How many times have we all thought to ourselves: “Life Is Unfair”?

RELATED: The Type 2 Diabetes Facts and Statistics You Need to Know

10. The Decadent Diabetic

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The Best Nuts for Diabetes: Walnuts, Almonds, and More

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By Moira LawlerJune 28, 2023

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17 Best Diabetes Blogs of 2021

Managing diabetes can be challenging. But connecting with people who are navigating the same condition can make all the difference.

In selecting this year’s best diabetes blogs, Healthline looked for ones that stood out for their informative, inspiring, and empowering content. We hope you find them helpful.

Diabetes Self-Management

Managing diabetes doesn’t mean never indulging in foods you enjoy, which is why you’ll find over 900 diabetes-friendly recipes on this blog. Diabetes Self-Management also posts about product reviews, nutrition, meal planning, and exercise, plus tools for counting carbs, planning workouts, and much more.

Diabetic Foodie

Anyone living with diabetes, cooking for someone with diabetes, or just in search of healthy recipes will find help at the Diabetic Foodie. Shelby Kinnaird is a firm believer that diabetes isn’t a dietary death sentence, and after her own diagnosis with type 2 diabetes, she started experimenting with recipes that are as delicious as they are nutritionally sound.

Diabetes Stories

Riva Greenberg began blogging to share her thoughts and experiences both as someone living with diabetes and working in the healthcare industry. She has flourished with diabetes and her blog has become a forum for helping others do the same. Her posts cover her own stories about nutrition, advocacy, and updates on current research.

Diabetes Dad

Tom Karlya has two children with diabetes, and he’s been committed to staying educated about the condition and its best management tools since his daughter’s diagnosis in 1992. Tom isn’t a medical professional — just a father sharing what he’s learned as he navigates this path with his children. It’s that perspective that makes this is a great place for other parents of children with diabetes.

College Diabetes Network

The College Diabetes Network is a nonprofit organization focused on helping young adults with diabetes enjoy healthy living by offering a space for peer connections and expert resources. There’s an extensive amount of information here and the blog offers content specific to diabetes and college life. Browse personal stories, current news, tips for studying abroad with diabetes, and more.

Insulin Nation

For the latest news regarding type 1 diabetes, Insulin Nation is a great resource. Posts are frequently updated with current information about advancements, clinical trials, technology, product reviews, and advocacy. Content is organized into treatment, research, and living categories so you can find exactly the information you need.

Diabetogenic

Renza Scibilia’s blog is about real life with type 1 diabetes. And while diabetes isn’t the center of her life — that’s a space reserved for her husband, daughter, and coffee — it’s a factor. Renza writes about the ongoing challenges of living with diabetes and she does so with humor and grace.

ADCES

The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, or ADCES, is a professional organization committed to improving the care of those living with diabetes. It does so through advocacy, education, research, and prevention, and that’s the kind of information it’s sharing on the blog as well. Posts are written by diabetes experts for the benefit of other professionals in the industry.

Diabetes Forecast

Diabetes Forecast (the website for the healthy living magazine of the American Diabetes Association) offers comprehensive guidance and advice for living with diabetes. Visitors can read all about this condition, browse recipes and food, find tips for weight loss and fitness, and learn about blood glucose and medications. There are also links to trending diabetes news and a podcast sharing what’s new in diabetes research.

Diabetes Strong

Christel Oerum launched Diabetes Strong (originally TheFitBlog) as a platform for sharing her personal experiences as a fitness enthusiast with type 1 diabetes. The site has become a place for expert contributors from across the globe to share tips and advice for leading healthy, active lives with any type of diabetes.

Children’s Diabetes Foundation

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is an organization dedicated to providing patient support to children, adolescents, and young adults living with type 1 diabetes. On their blog, readers will find posts written by kids and parents detailing the daily experiences of living with diabetes. Growing up with type 1 diabetes can be tough, but these posts from young people offer relatable stories for others navigating life with diabetes.

Hangry Woman

Founded by type 2 diabetes patient advocate Mila Clarke Buckley in 2016, Hangry Woman brings approachable resources about diabetes to both men and women. You’ll find everything from diabetes management topics to recipes, self-care, and travel tips. With Hangry Woman, no topic is off-limits and Buckley tackles tough issues such as the shame and stigma of type 2 diabetes while still reinforcing her message that you can live a full, happy, and healthy life.

Diabetes UK Blog

Diabetes UK Blogs — under the umbrella of the official Diabetes UK — brings first person stories of people living with diabetes. You’ll find stories of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, along with research-based and fundraising blogs. You’ll find yourself cheering for the beginner who reached his goals of swimming in his first race and nodding along about exploring how taking care of your emotional well-being ties into the full spectrum of diabetes management.

Gestational Diabetes UK

For many expectant people, a gestational diabetes (GD) diagnosis can come as a huge shock. Already dealing with the challenges and stressors that can come along with pregnancy, GD throws a whole new curveball their way. This blog was founded by a mom who received her own GD diagnosis and combines resources such as dealing with your diagnosis, recipes, birth preparation, life after GD, as well as a membership area for more detailed assistance.

Yoga for Diabetes

Blogger Rachel chronicles her journey with type 1 diabetes since her 2008 diagnosis and how she uses yoga as a form of healing, coping, inspiration, and disease management. Her open look at life with diabetes, from the challenges of eating to live, to actually enjoying what’s on your plate, are refreshing and honest. She also offers a Facebook group and an e-book for anyone interested in exploring a yoga journey further.

JDRF

Geared specifically for type 1 diabetes in children, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation focuses heavily on fundraising efforts aimed toward curing type 1 diabetes completely. You’ll find practical and professional resources to walk you through a new type 1 diabetes diagnosis in your child, as well as personal stories to help show you that you’re not alone in the challenges this condition can bring.

The Diabetic Journey

Brittany Gilleland, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12, started her blog to “change the way the world views” diabetes — and she’s accomplishing just that through resources like her custom T-shirts that show how diabetes can affect anyone, from weightlifters to “mama bears. ” She shares her ongoing journey with diabetes, as well as the stories of others (and you can submit your own story too), and updates on new developments and world issues that affect those with type 1 diabetes.

If you have a favorite blog you’d like to nominate, please email us at [email protected].

TYPE 2 DIABETES – A LIFESTYLE DISEASE

The number of new cases of type 2 diabetes is growing rapidly in Western countries. This increase is closely linked to the obesity epidemic in these countries. Today, type 2 diabetes is considered a lifestyle disease.

Approximately 8.5% of the world’s population suffers from diabetes. Every 6 seconds, 1 person dies from this disease.

425 million

This is a pandemic with an exponential increase in incidence: according to the World Health Organization, in 2014 the number of people with type 2 diabetes was 425 million, and by 2040 this figure will reach 622 million

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all cases of diabetes. The rise in the prevalence of diabetes and obesity in Western countries is occurring in parallel.

LIFESTYLE DISEASE

The main risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes are age and overweight: in 60-90% of patients, it is significantly above the norm. Although the disease most often develops over the age of 40, there is a growing incidence of diabetes among obese adolescents in the United States. A sedentary lifestyle is also a risk factor.

However, there is also a genetic predisposition to developing type 2 diabetes. Scientists have discovered several genes responsible for the function of pancreatic beta cells. Their presence in the genome is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. Environmental factors may increase this risk. Finally, people with metabolic syndrome (a combination of high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides) have a higher risk of the disease.

NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) is a chronically elevated blood glucose level. There are two reasons for this hyperglycemia: reduced production of insulin by the pancreas, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels, and insufficient susceptibility of target organ cells (liver, skeletal muscles, adipose tissue) to insulin – insulin resistance.

SILENT DISEASE

Most of the time, chronic hyperglycemia is not accompanied by symptoms, and therefore, according to various estimates, from 30 to 80% of cases of diabetes remain undetected. The diagnosis of diabetes is based on the results of a routine blood test or when complications develop that make the condition more serious.

TREATMENT BY LIFESTYLE AND DIET CHANGE

Lifestyle changes may be enough to control type 2 diabetes. The components of the standard treatment approach are weight loss (if needed), exercise, and a healthy diet.

Oral antidiabetic agents may be given as second-line therapy. There are several classes of these drugs: insulin sensitizers, insulin secretagogues, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. They differ in their mechanism of action and can be used singly or in combination. Compliance with the principles of a healthy lifestyle increases their effectiveness. When these measures are not enough to effectively treat type 2 diabetes, injections of insulin or analogues of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) can be used. GLP-1 analogues are “incretins”, i.e. drugs that increase the production of insulin and increase the sensitivity of cells to it. They provide improved glycemic control, reduced appetite, and slower gastric emptying. In some cases, treatment with these drugs has advantages over the use of insulin.

COMFORTABLE LIFE

WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Many books have been published with advice and guidance on how to live more comfortably with type 2 diabetes. Patients today have an abundance of information at their disposal on any topic: from diet recipes for real gourmets to advice on choosing the right sports. Learning this information is very helpful for people in need of a lifestyle change. In addition, informing patients with type 2 diabetes has been proven to improve their quality of life.

SERVIER’S ROLE

The Research and Development division of the Servier Group is actively involved in research into the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and the identification of new therapeutic targets to improve patient care and prevent complications.

What’s more, Servier has partnered with Nutrikeo, a nutrition consulting company. The purpose of this collaboration is to familiarize doctors with recipes for new dishes and conduct master classes for them, so that they, in turn, can share tips on how to use certain spices (garlic, curry, basil) with their patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. to reduce the amount of salt consumed, and other ingredients (vanilla, coconut, cinnamon) – to reduce the amount of sugar consumed.

REMEMBER

1. See your doctor regularly
   Type 2 diabetes develops insidiously. To make a diagnosis, plan measures for dynamic monitoring and prevent complications, a doctor’s consultation is required.