Type 2 diabetes

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15/15 rule	Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors	Biguanides	Diabetes and exercise
Diabetic emergency supplies	Food and insulin release	Glucose in blood	Low blood sugar symptoms
Starchy foods	Sulfonylureas drug	Thiazolidinediones

Noninsulin-dependent diabetes; Diabetes - type 2; Adult-onset diabetes

The goal of treatment at first is to lower high blood glucose levels. The long-term goals of treatment are to prevent problems from diabetes.

The main treatment for type 2 diabetes is exercise and diet.

LEARN THESE SKILLS

You should learn basic diabetes management skills. They will help prevent problems and the need for medical care. These skills include:

• How to test and record your blood glucose (See: Blood glucose monitoring)
• What to eat and when
• How to take medications, if needed
• How to recognize and treat low and high blood sugar
• How to handle sick days
• Where to buy diabetes supplies and how to store them

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It may take several months to learn the basic skills. Always keep learning about diabetes, its complications, and how to control and live with the disease. Stay up-to-date on new research and treatments.

MANAGING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR

Self testing means that you check your blood sugar at home yourself. Checking your blood sugar levels at home and writing down the results will tell you how well you are managing your diabetes.

A device called a glucometer can give you an exact blood sugar reading. There are different types of devices. Usually, you prick your finger with a small needle called a lancet. This gives you a tiny drop of blood. You place the blood on a test strip and put the strip into the device. Results are given in 30 - 45 seconds.

A health care provider or diabetes educator will help set up an at-home testing schedule for you. Your doctor will help you set your blood sugar goals.

• Most people with type 2 diabetes only need to check their blood sugar once or twice a day.
• If your blood sugar levels are under control, you may only need to check them a few times a week.
• You may test yourself when you wake up, before meals, and at bedtime.
• You may need to test more often when you are sick or under stress.

The results of the test can be used to change your meals, activity, or medications to keep your blood sugar levels in the right range. Testing can identify high and low blood sugar levels before you have serious problems.