I am 46 with Type 2 diabetes. How to treat it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 46-year-old woman recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My fasting blood sugar was 185 mg/dL, and my HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) level was 7.8 percent. I am trying to eat healthier, but it is confusing.

Can I ever stop medication if I lose weight?
I also worry about complications like nerve pain and vision loss since my mom had diabetes too. How can women prevent these problems early?
Are there differences in symptoms or treatment for women?
How to manage diabetes better without feeling overwhelmed every day?

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

It is natural to feel overwhelmed after being newly diagnosed with diabetes, but you are already taking the right step by seeking clarity and control. Your fasting sugar of 185 mg/dL and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) of 7.8 percent indicate moderately uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. But with consistent treatment, lifestyle discipline, and medical follow-up, this can be brought under excellent control.

You asked if medications can ever be stopped. The answer is sometimes yes, but only under medical supervision. Once you lose weight, maintain healthy eating, and sustain normal sugars for several months, your doctor may safely reduce or even discontinue your medications gradually. Till then, continue them regularly. They protect your eyes, kidneys, and nerves from damage. When it comes to food, follow the “plate method” with half vegetables, one-quarter protein (fish, eggs, pulses, paneer), and one-quarter complex carbohydrates (millets, brown rice, chapati).

Avoid sweets, sugary drinks, and bakery foods. Try smaller, frequent meals and stay well hydrated. For exercise, aim for 30 to 45 minutes of brisk walking daily and light strength training two to three times a week. Even a ten-minute walk after meals helps control blood sugar. Monitor fasting and post-meal sugars at least twice a week, and repeat HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) every three months.

To prevent complications, get an annual eye check-up and a urine microalbumin test, and keep blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol levels under control. Check your feet daily for cuts or dryness and use comfortable footwear. These steps help prevent nerve and vision problems that your mother experienced. In women, hormonal changes can affect sugar levels, especially around periods or menopause.

They may also cause more fatigue, yeast infections, or slow wound healing. Treatment remains the same but is individualized during these phases. Do not let diabetes dominate your life. Take it step by step. Take a healthy food, daily activity, good sleep, and regular check-ups. You will soon find balance and confidence again.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.