Treatment for type 2 diabetes
Understanding your options and building a care plan that fits your health and everyday life.
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What does treatment aim to do?
Treatment helps keep blood sugar within a range agreed with your care team and reduces the risk of complications. Your targets depend on your age, other health conditions and individual needs. [1]
Care that fits everyday life
Small, sustainable changes can support your treatment. Your team can help you:
- Plan balanced meals and portions around foods you enjoy.
- Choose physical activity that suits your ability and health.
- Support sleep, emotional well-being and stopping smoking.
If weight management is part of your plan, ask for practical support. Discuss major changes to meals or activity, especially if your medicines can cause low blood sugar. [2]
Medicines and insulin
Many people need medicine alongside everyday changes. Some need more than one medicine, and treatment may change over time. [3]
| Treatment | What it can involve |
|---|---|
| Tablets | Medicines that lower blood sugar in different ways. |
| Other injections | Non-insulin medicines; some also support weight management. |
| Insulin | Additional insulin to help manage blood sugar when needed. |
These options may be combined. Your clinician will explain how to take each medicine and which side effects to watch for. [3]
Choosing a plan together
Your care team considers blood sugar results, heart and kidney health, weight goals, side effects and the risk of low blood sugar. Cost, availability and your preferences also matter. Some medicines may offer heart or kidney benefits for suitable patients. [4]
Ask for a plan you understand
Know what to do about missed doses, side effects, illness or low blood sugar. Follow the instructions agreed with your clinician before changing or stopping treatment. [6]
When might surgery be considered?
Metabolic or bariatric surgery may be considered for some people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. It requires specialist assessment of suitability, benefits and risks, and a commitment to long-term follow-up. It is not a guaranteed cure. [5]
Reviewing your care over time
Agree when to review HbA1c, whether to monitor glucose at home and when your next appointment should be. Care also includes blood pressure, cholesterol and checks for eye, kidney and foot problems. [6]
Tell your team if treatment is difficult to afford or follow, or if you have side effects. A review is a chance to adjust the plan with you. [4]
Questions for your appointment
- What are my treatment goals, and why?
- What are the benefits and risks of my options?
- What should I do if I am unwell or miss a dose?
- Who can I contact with concerns before my next review?
Sources and further information
The following sources are in English and open in a new tab.
- CDC · Managing blood sugar
- NIDDK · Healthy living with diabetes
- NIDDK · Insulin, medicines and other treatments
- American Diabetes Association · Type 2 diabetes care guide (PDF)
- NIDDK · Metabolic and bariatric surgery
- NIDDK · Managing diabetes
This article is for general education. It does not replace a consultation or an individual treatment plan.
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