Drugs Not Answer for All Diabetes ; HEALTH

March 7, 2009 at Mar 07

DIABETICS are being given drugs rather than advice on weight loss and exercise to manage their condition, a study showed yesterday.

Thirty-six per cent of Type 2 diabetes sufferers were given pills within a month of being diagnosed.

But guidelines state people should be told how it is possible to control the condition before medication is prescribed.

Researcher Dr Rob Andrews, of Bristol University, said: "During diagnosis is the time when people may take action."

In Ireland, the number of people with Type 2 is expected to hit 37 per cent in near future.

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cyncyn cyncyn March 14, 2009 at 4:02 pm

i'm a caregiver and i'll have to agree 150%. they push the drugs faster than anything. they just keep adding to her, already, large amount of prescriptions. she takes 3 scripts for her type ii,and then there is the 2, for high blood pressure, and there's 1 for high cholestoral, to mention some. but they have never mention to her anything about her weigh(she is obese). when i was teaching her to do meal planning and got her walking, she lost lots of weight. she was down to 1 sugar pill, 1 blood pressure pill and a lower dose of cholestrol pill. her dr. never told her to keep it up, and when i stopped doing the cooking for her, she went right back to where she was before, and stated "the dr. didn't tell me to do this stuff. he could have encourage it!!! pills aren't always the answers!!!!

thinker51 thinker51 March 14, 2009 at 2:46 pm

yes i agree some doctors jump to soon to drugs instead of diet and exercise control for diabetics.

Flicker Flicker March 14, 2009 at 1:54 pm

I found some great ideas on meal planning and food choices in the Spring 2009 issue of Diabetic Living magazine. I will add Heart Smart Whole grain barley cereal to my choices, and they have Glucerna cereal for those who like cold cereal. The article is on page 14 for those who would like to read it. Also, when I was diagnosed, my doctor enrolled me in a Living With Diabetes Class. The education it provided, with tools and support contact was so helpful. Maybe this program is available to you in your area… I have noticed that my quality of physical exercise makes a huge positive impact on my glucose numbers. When I can't get out because of the weather, riding my stationary bike, and stretches with an elastic band helps…When my feet hurt the worst, I go to the local pool and walk in the shallow end of the pool. It really helps…Jocelyn

Marman Marman March 14, 2009 at 12:44 pm

To Judy A, you could lose weight if you reduced your carb intake. Cut way back on Pastas, breads, rice and potatoes. Also be careful of some fruits that are very high in carbs. Use low carb breads and cereals. I have lost 20 lbs in 3 months this way and I still eat plenty

Deleted User 12427 [deleted] March 14, 2009 at 11:46 am

Very interesting information. I think that a person should have a very detailed discussion with their doctor about their diabeties and the treatment with which they should take.