Patients with NIDDM primarily manage their diabetes how?

Patients with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM), now more commonly referred to as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, primarily manage their diabetes with oral medications. This approach is appropriate because, in Type 2 diabetes, the body usually still produces insulin, but the cells become resistant to its effects or not enough insulin is produced to maintain normal glucose levels. Oral medications work by either improving insulin sensitivity, stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, or slowing the absorption of glucose from the intestines.

While some individuals with Type 2 diabetes may require insulin injections or additional interventions like dietary changes, the typical first-line treatment involves oral medications.

Use of diet alone can sometimes be effective in the early stages of the disease, particularly for individuals who have a lower level of insulin resistance. However, as the disease progresses, patients often find that oral medications are necessary to achieve better glycemic control. Insulin therapy is more commonly associated with Type 1 diabetes or advanced cases of Type 2 diabetes where oral medications are no longer sufficient.

Understanding the primary management strategies for different types of diabetes helps tailor treatment approaches and improve patient outcomes.