“What are the treatment options for type 2 diabetes?”

There are several medications for type 2 DM. You should see your pcp or endocrinologist to determine what are your best options.

You have just asked the biggest question every person with diabetes should ask. You can get this info in more detail that I have space here so see a good physician who knows diabetes & a good diabetes educator. Simply put, the answer to your question is yes, there are many other treatments. I can't answer the question of lifestyle changes without knowing your status better. I can make only simple answers. A proper diet, exercise, & wt. loss if you are overwt. are vital for your continued welfare. See a good diabetes educator & dietician. A good place to get a life style change program is the YMCA. They have a good program with dietitians & exercise physiologists to help you. Now, as to other medications: there are several classes of other drugs we use today. There about 20 of them, though several of them are "me too" drugs. That is in the same class, different company & name. The main classes we use today are 1) metformin 2) sulfonalureas 3) Glitazone drugs 4) GLP1 Receptor Agonists and 5) SGLP2 drugs. There are others, but are less effective & are seldom used. We also don't use the sulfonalurias much any more since the cause wt. gain & can cause low blood sugar. The first 3 above are generic now and thus cheap. The last 2 are much better drugs & work well, but are expensive, so you need to check with your insurance co. before you commence treatment with them. They may not pay since they are new drugs & are not generic yet. I must also mention that there are 2 other possibilities: 1) insulin - if all else fails, insulin will be needed, but don't fear it (I have taken it for 26 yrs & I'm still in good shape). 2) Most of these drugs can be given together and frequently are. One company just got FDA approval to market a combination pill that has 3 of these drugs in one pill. So, there are a lot of alternatives. If your doctor is not familiar with them, see an endocrinologist who is & get the best care. The most important thing is keep your blood sugar under control & you should do well.

There are multiple other drugs that can be used. I usually tailor a patient ‘s regimen according to the specific conditions of the patient. As a general rule, you need to reduce carbohydrate (white starchy food) intake and increase exercise activity.