How is type 2 diabetes primarily managed?

Type 2 diabetes management primarily focuses on lifestyle modifications and the use of oral medications. Lifestyle changes include implementing a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and monitoring blood glucose levels. These adjustments can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments.

Oral medications, such as metformin, are commonly prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing glucose production in the liver. These medications are often effective in conjunction with lifestyle changes, allowing many individuals to achieve good glycemic control without the immediate need for insulin injections.

In contrast, insulin injections are typically associated with type 1 diabetes or advanced cases of type 2 diabetes where oral medications and lifestyle changes are insufficient. Hormone replacements are not a standard treatment for managing type 2 diabetes, and surgical interventions may be considered for weight loss in certain patients but are not a primary management strategy for diabetes itself. Thus, the combination of lifestyle changes and oral medications represents the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes management.