CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) — Experts from the University of Virginia (UVA) Health are advocating for new treatment strategies to manage type 2 diabetes, focusing on informed eating habits, exercise, and the use of glucose monitors. According to UVA, nearly 40% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are at risk of discontinuing their medication within the first year, prompting the need for more sustainable treatment methods.
A recent paper authored by diabetes experts Daniel J. Cox, PhD, from UVA’s Center for Diabetes Technology, along with Tamara K. Oser, Catherine Varney, and Anthony L. McCall, highlights the importance of finding treatment options that are easier for patients to maintain long-term. The free paper encourages healthcare providers to seek out alternatives that are more likely to align with patients’ preferences and lifestyles.
The authors stress that simply prescribing medications or making lifestyle recommendations without considering the patient’s willingness or ability to follow them may not lead to effective outcomes. “The best treatment is one that is easy to implement and sustainable for the patient,” the paper notes.
Rather than dictating treatment plans, the paper advocates for collaborative decision-making, with healthcare providers taking the time to understand patient preferences and individual lifestyle needs. One recommended option is the use of continuous glucose monitors, which are worn on the skin and help track blood sugar levels in real-time.
In addition to medication options like GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, which have gained popularity for their weight-loss benefits, UVA experts highlight the potential of lifestyle interventions like the “Glucose Everyday Matters” (GEM) program. This approach focuses on making informed food choices and scheduling regular exercise to prevent blood sugar spikes. UVA reports that two-thirds of participants in a study using this approach achieved remission.
“Patient and family engagement in the chosen treatment approach is critical,” said Dr. Cox, who developed the GEM program. “Consistency is key; while many approaches can yield benefits if followed consistently, managing diabetes requires a lifelong commitment.”
The research underlines the growing need to support patients with personalized, manageable strategies that enhance long-term adherence and improve diabetes outcomes.
Related Topics
