A concerning number of newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes are discontinuing their medication within a year. According to UVA Health experts, nearly 40% of these patients are jeopardizing their health by not following through with their treatment plan.
This issue is addressed in a recent paper that highlights the importance of considering non-traditional treatment options and patient engagement in diabetes management. The authors advocate for doctors to involve patients in the decision-making process, taking into account their lifestyle needs and preferences.
To improve blood sugar control, doctors should consider providing patients with continuous glucose monitors or alternative treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, these options alone may not be sufficient, and a more holistic approach is needed.
UVA diabetes expert Daniel J. Cox has developed an innovative lifestyle-intervention program called GEM (Glucose Everyday Matters) that aims to prevent blood-sugar spikes through informed eating choices and well-timed exercise. The program emphasizes understanding the effects of different foods on blood sugar levels, making smart eating choices, and getting extra physical activity.
In one study, two-thirds of participants put their diabetes into remission using the GEM approach. Cox has used this program to manage his own type 2 diabetes for 15 years, highlighting its potential benefits. The paper also provides a list of recommended foods to reduce or replace to better control blood sugar levels.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/doctors-urged-to-rethink-diabetes-medications-40-of-patients-risk-their-health