How to overcome type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can often be managed by improving blood-glucose control through regular exercise, thoughtful eating, managing energy balance, and—when appropriate—medication, with ongoing monitoring to catch complications early.

• Exercise regularly: Combine cardiovascular activity with resistance training; both can support glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. 1
• Manage body fat and energy balance: Excess energy and inactivity can contribute to insulin resistance. Focus on sustainable energy balance rather than extreme, prolonged calorie restriction. 2 3
• Make consistent, thoughtful food choices: Favor minimally processed foods and eating patterns that support blood-glucose management; carbohydrate restriction may help some metabolic measures, but the discussion does not establish one diet as right for everyone. 4 5
• Discuss medication with a clinician: Metformin is described as a diabetes medication that lowers glucose, and SGLT2 inhibitors are identified as a drug class used for type 2 diabetes. Medication choice should be individualized with medical care. 6 7
• Monitor glucose, blood pressure, and eye health: Good blood-sugar and blood-pressure control help reduce diabetic-retinopathy risk; people with diabetes should have a comprehensive retinal exam at least yearly. 8
• ApoB and lipid considerations: For elevated ApoB, nutrition and addressing insulin resistance may help; carbohydrate and energy restriction can lower triglycerides. The discussion notes that reaching substantially lower ApoB levels may require prescription treatment. 9