Medications
1. Metformin: A first-line medication for type 2 diabetes that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Sulfonylureas: Stimulate insulin release from the pancreas.
3. Meglitinides: Stimulate insulin release from the pancreas.
4. Thiazolidinediones: Improve insulin sensitivity.
5. DPP-4 inhibitors: Block the enzyme DPP-4, which breaks down incretin hormones.
6. GLP-1 receptor agonists: Mimic the action of incretin hormones.
7. SGLT2 inhibitors: Block glucose reabsorption in the kidneys.
Lifestyle Changes
1. Healthy Eating: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
2. Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of both, per week.
3. Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight through a combination of healthy eating and physical activity.
4. Stress Management: Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Alternative Therapies
1. Acupuncture: May help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
2. Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs like cinnamon, berberine, and chromium may help lower blood sugar levels.
3. Yoga and Tai Chi: May help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood sugar levels, and enhance overall well-being.
4. Mind-Body Therapies: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation may help reduce stress and improve blood sugar control.
Emerging Therapies
1. Stem Cell Therapy: May help regenerate or replace damaged pancreatic cells.
2. Gene Therapy: May help restore normal insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes.
3. Bariatric Surgery: May help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
4. Islet Cell Transplantation: May help restore normal insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes.