According to the Mayo Clinic, type II diabetes impedes the metabolization of blood glucose, or blood sugar, which is an essential source of bodily energy, in one of two ways. For instance, some diabetics don’t produce adequate insulin for healthy blood glucose levels, while others are insulin-resistant, meaning that the bodily cells ignore the signals triggered by insulin hormone in healthy individuals so glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of moving to cells for energy. While type 2 diabetes was once a condition in adults, today higher numbers of children are being diagnosed.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include a combination of sudden weight loss, chronic fatigue, vision issues, uncontrollable thirst, frequent need to urinate, increase in appetite, and sores or infections that are slow to heal. While diabetes has no cure, the disease must be maintained with the following treatments:

1. Insulin medications
Not all cases of type II diabetes must be controlled via medicine. However, those with severe spikes in blood glucose may be prescribed insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. Insulin may be prescribed by oral tablet, injection, or pump to insulin levels in the body and regulate glucose levels.

2. Non-insulin medications
Other medications used to control blood glucose in type 2 diabetics may include the following non-insulin type drugs:

• Metformin is meant to slow the release of blood sugar by the liver to a non-diabetic state.
• Pramlintide naturally emits a similar hormonal substance to amylin to control glucagon and digestion, and to decrease sugar storage in the liver.
• Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, such as Albiglutide and Trulicity, utilizes the GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar levels. This drug is given by injection once weekly.

3. Diet
While there is no specific diabetes diet, doctors and nutritionists will typically recommend a few standard tips to help diabetics reduce symptoms and help balance out blood sugar levels. For instance, most type 2 diabetics must monitor blood sugar regularly throughout the day as well as monitor their intake of carbohydrates (sugars). This may mean consuming smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to consume fewer calories, experience less hunger, and keep blood sugar stable. While consuming more satisfying fibrous, healthy fat, and protein rich foods.

4. Regular exercise
While weight and diabetes are explicitly linked, studies show that diabetics who lose 10% of their body weight and exercise regularly can significantly lower their blood sugar levels. In addition to consuming a healthy portion-controlled diet, exercise can help reduce blood sugar levels while maintaining energy. Try cycling, hiking, walking, swimming, yoga, and other forms of aerobic exercise for 30 to 60 minutes daily.