Type 2 diabetes is an extremely common disease that afflicts millions of people worldwide every year. People can be impacted directly through a personal diagnosis or indirectly through the diagnoses of a loved one. Regardless of how an individual is affected, this disease can negatively influence and significantly change people’s lives. This condition can be a result of the human body’s inability to sufficiently produce the correct amount of insulin an individual requires or from the body’s improper utilization of insulin for its designated jobs (Leontis). As a result of the inadequate production or misuse of insulin, the body has an excess amount of glucose in the blood (Leontis). Some symptoms associated with Type 2 diabetes are: “thirst, hunger, frequent urination, and weight loss” (Illiades). While there is no known cure associated with this illness, there are multiple therapies available for individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes to choose from in order to combat their symptoms. The most common and well-known treatments include: insulin therapy, oral medications such as metformin, and lifestyle changes, including exercise and diet. When choosing their treatment for Type 2, many people assume that insulin is the best choice because it is the most familiar and frequently discussed. However, this may not be completely accurate. Metformin and lifestyle alterations can be just as effective, if not more successful, in combating Type 2 complications. While all three are possible treatments for this disease, which therapy is truly the most effective and reliable for Type 2 diabetes patients to combat their symptoms and become one step closer to putting their disease into remission? It is imperative to discover the most beneficial and successful treatment, as it may lead researchers closer to finding a cure for this debilitating disease that adversely impacts so many people. Metformin is the best therapy option for patients battling Type 2 diabetes, as it successfully combats their symptoms and is associated with many benefits.

Insulin therapy is one treatment options patients with Type 2 diabetes can utilize to combat their symptoms, but is not as effective as the oral medication metformin. Insulin is a vital hormone in the body that is required for humans to function normally and maintain healthy lives. As stated in the article “Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin,” “insulin is needed for most cells throughout the body to take in glucose from the blood, which the cells use as fuel” (Snyder). Insulin therapy has been utilized by diabetic patients since the 1900s to combat and alleviate individuals’ Type 2 diabetes symptoms and complications. As a result of being linked to treating Type 2 diabetes for so long, researchers know a vast amount of information about this therapy. Insulin injections aid those diagnosed by controlling their blood glucose levels, since Type 2 diabetes often results in high blood sugar (“Insulin Injection”). As their blood glucose levels decrease, patients with Type 2 minimize their symptoms and complications. This treatment can be administered to patients in a variety of ways; this includes needles, preloaded injectable pens, or inhalation via an inhaler (Illiades). All three techniques are dependable methods for patients to receive this treatment, so it is their personal preference as to how they utilize it. Individuals may also choose from a variety of different types of insulin to use in their treatment. Each type of insulin varies in duration, the required number of daily injections, and when it reaches its “peak,” or maximum strength (Snyder). Doctors Christin Snyder and Irl B. Hirsch note that “if insulin is begun early enough and is used appropriately, people who use it have a marked decrease in complications related to diabetes such as retinopathy (a diabetes eye disease), nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease), and neuropathy (nerve damage)” (1). This is a huge benefit of this treatment. However, while these particular diabetes-related difficulties may be reduced, numerous other disadvantages are frequently linked to insulin therapy. 

While there are some benefits linked with insulin therapy, there are numerous drawbacks. Some major complications associated with treating Type 2 diabetes via insulin are hypoglycemia, otherwise known as low blood sugar levels, financial, physical, or psychological restraints, and weight gain. Some different forms of insulin can actually increase the chance of a Type 2 patient having hypoglycemia. For example, one of the most common forms of insulin utilized in treating diabetes is Humulin, also known as NPH. While NPH may be a low-cost option for treating Type 2, its peak is unpredictable, which often leads to hypoglycemia if the individual does not properly time their meals with their injections (Snyder). People are often fearful of needles or simply cannot afford insulin therapy because it is extremely costly, making it difficult for them to be compliant. This treatment is also often associated with weight gain because “with insulin, the body is able to use glucose that was previously wasted in the urine. Glucose that is not needed right away for energy is stored as fat” (Snyder). Although there are positive outcomes linked to insulin therapy for Type 2 diabetes, such as reducing common Type 2 complications, there are significantly more negative side effects, such as hypoglycemia, cost, and weight gain. Therefore, there are other treatments available, such as metformin and lifestyle changes, which are more effective and reliable therapy choices for Type 2 diabetes. 

A common, and very effective, treatment for Type 2 diabetes is the oral medication metformin. Metformin has been effectively utilized in treating Type 2 diabetes since the 1950s and, by definition, is “a biguanide that decreases blood glucose concentration by mechanisms different from those of insulin secretagogues, such as sulphonylureas, or exogenous insulin therapy” (Holman). In other words, this medication lowers an individual’s blood sugar levels by a different process than insulin. This treatment positively combats Type 2 diabetes by lowering the body’s blood sugar concentration due to a reduction in the amount of hepatic glucose produced and an expansion in skeletal muscle glucose disposal (Musi). By lowering blood sugar levels, patients become closer to remission, a temporary recovery. Metformin results in the body’s cells becoming more sensitive to insulin and reduces the amount of sugar that is typically produced by the liver (Reinberg). Ryan Sanders is a registered dietician and a certified diabetes educator, and in his video “Metformin A Must Medication for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes,” he discusses how metformin is extremely effective in helping put Type 2 diabetes into remission. He states that metformin can only put Type 2 into remission, not completely cure the disease, because at this time there is no known permanent remedy (“Metformin A Must”). Metformin is most effective in aiding diabetic patients by putting this disease into remission. Consequently, with the help of metformin, individuals are able to live more normal, productive, and healthier lives. 

To prove how effective metformin is in treating diabetes, numerous studies have been conducted on this medication. For example, Steven Reinberg, in his article “Metformin Best for Type 2 Diabetes First Treatment,” references a study that was conducted by Dr. Niteesh Choudhry. Dr.  Choudhry and his team of researchers wanted to discover if newly diagnosed Type 2 patients would be more or less likely to require another therapy if initially beginning their treatment with metformin. The researchers collected data on 15,000 people recently starting treatment for Type 2 diabetes. They were each administered different drug therapies used to treat Type 2 diabetes and were closely observed to discover whether or not they required another supplement. The study revealed that within the group of individuals who initiated their treatment with metformin, only about one-quarter required another supplement to regulate their blood sugar (Reinberg). In comparison to this, those who began treatment with any other diabetic therapy drug besides metformin, frequently required another drug to sustain their blood glucose levels (Reinberg). This evidence reveals that when individuals begin treatment with metformin, they are less likely to require another supplement to control their blood glucose levels. This study reinforces that metformin is extremely effective in combating Type 2 diabetes.

Relying on metformin can have both positive and negative results. However, the benefits of this medication outweigh its side effects. The most common adverse side effects related to metformin are gastrointestinal, but this medication is typically accepted by the body positively (Holman). These gastrointestinal side effects are most often tolerated by patients and do not pose a significant problem (Holman). There are numerous benefits gained from relying on metformin for an individual’s primary treatment. For example, this medication “does not stimulate insulin secretion, aggravate hyperinsulinemia, or cause hypoglycemia” (Davidson). Metformin significantly improves blood glucose levels without resulting in the patient gaining weight (Holman). Insulin, on the other hand, causes not only weight gain, but also hypoglycemia, two things that are easily avoided by selecting and utilizing metformin as the treatment. These are only a few of the many benefits patients experience after beginning their treatment with metformin. As a result of how positively metformin treats Type 2 diabetes, having minimal side effects and numerous benefits, it is an extremely effective treatment to combat and minimize the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. 

An additional treatment option for Type 2 diabetes is significant lifestyle changes, which include exercising more and dietary alterations. Registered nurse Lisa M. Leontis, in her article “Type 2 Diabetes and Exercise,” states that the biggest benefit to exercise, in relation to diabetes, is enabling the body to more easily regulate its blood glucose levels because of the excess amount of sugar in the blood stream (1). If the body is able to better control its blood glucose levels, individuals can decrease their Type 2 symptoms and become closer to remission. She reinforces this point by stating that “it doesn’t matter if you’re insulin resistant or if you don’t have enough insulin: when you exercise, your muscles get the glucose they need, and in turn, your blood glucose level goes down” (Leontis). Exercising helps the Type 2 diabetes patient’s body to decrease the blood sugar, no matter how the body struggles with insulin, making individuals much healthier. Extensive exercise can also help diabetic patients who are insulin- resistant make their insulin more effective. When an individual is active, their insulin resistance decreases, and their cells can more effectively utilize the body’s glucose (Leontis). Patients who are regularly active most often lose weight, which is also a huge benefit to decreasing an individual’s Type 2 diabetes symptoms. It is noted that “losing 5% to 10% of your body weight and building up to 150 minutes of exercise a week may help you to slow or stop the progress of type 2 diabetes” (Collins). There is also significant proof that individuals who exercise and lose weight can cease their reliance on diabetic medications and have blood sugar levels that are no longer in the diabetes range, but at the pre-diabetes level (Collins). Being active can not only reduce Type 2 symptoms and complications, but also ween individuals off of their medications and put them one step closer to defeating this terrible disease. Exercising can also help individuals with Type 2 avoid long-term complications such as heart problems. Being active makes the heart stronger and reduces the susceptibility to developing blocked arteries (Leontis). Frequent activity and diet control can also help individuals with diabetes avoid a heart attack and blocked arteries, which can be fatal. These are significant benefits related to exercising. A drawback that can be associated with this treatment is the lack of compliance and persistence. An individual must continue to be active in order to maintain these results, which can be difficult at times. Individuals also often cheat their diets. It is also noted that it is uncommon for individuals to solely rely on this therapy, so more than likely will require another supplement to combat their symptoms (Collins). Exercising and maintaining a healthy diet can significantly alleviate and diminish the symptoms and complications those struggling with Type 2 diabetes face every day. Lifestyle changes can undoubtedly help Type 2 patients improve their quality of life, making them notably healthier. Exercising and healthy eating habits come with minimal risk while reducing Type 2 diabetes symptoms, making lifestyle changes an effective treatment for this disease. 

Type 2 diabetes is prevalent worldwide and negatively affects numerous people. While this disease has no cure, there are numerous available treatment options. These treatments are aimed toward fighting Type 2 complications and symptoms, with the ultimate goal of putting this disease into remission. Insulin therapy, metformin oral medication, and lifestyle changes are three of the most well-known therapies from a variety of treatment choices for Type 2 diabetes. Comparing insulin, metformin, and lifestyle changes can be complicated, as each treatment has its own risks, benefits, and outcomes associated with it. Metformin, however, is the most effective and reliable of these three options because it is associated with the least amount of risks and greatest number of benefits. Insulin does aid in combating the symptoms of those afflicted with diabetes, but it is linked to many detrimental side effects. Patients who rely on insulin have both the increased chances of hypoglycemia and weight gain. These complications, however, can be avoided by relying on metformin instead. The disadvantages greatly outweigh the benefits associated with insulin therapy, making it a less effective treatment option for patients than metformin. These negative side effects cause even more difficulties for Type 2 patients, further complicating their lives. Extensive lifestyle changes can also aid a Type 2 patient in reducing their symptoms and complications while improving their overall health at the same time. These changes include exercise and diet and can result in an individual no longer having to heavily rely on their medications. In rare instances, individuals have had significantly beneficial results from this treatment that they no longer require any other form of treatment. Exercising not only helps with Type 2 diabetes symptoms, but it also aids the body in becoming much healthier overall and costing the patient no extra money. There can be drawbacks associated with this treatment option, however. It is uncommon for patients to solely rely on this treatment, so more than likely, they will require additional therapy to help battle their diabetes symptoms. This additional therapy, combined with lifestyles changes, can either be insulin or metformin, but metformin would be more effective. Another disadvantage to lifestyle changes, in regards to treating Type 2, is the individual’s lack of motivation to continue treatment. A patient must be cooperative with their exercise plan and strictly follow their dietary restrictions in order to continue benefitting from this therapy. This is challenging for many people who utilize this treatment because people often feel as though exercising is a burden and is time consuming. They also frequently cheat on their diets. Metformin prevails as the most effective treatment for numerous reasons. It has minimal risks associated with it, is cost effective, and successfully combats diabetic complications. Metformin also has countless other benefits that help Type 2 diabetes patients minimize their symptoms. It is crucial to research and prioritize the most effective and reliable treatment choices for Type 2 diabetes because it is such a widespread disease, affecting millions of people on a daily basis. By discovering the most beneficial therapy available, researchers could potentially uncover a treatment that can completely cure Type 2 diabetes. If a cure can be found, diabetic patients’ lives could potentially and significantly improve, and they would no longer have to worry about their health issues associated with this disease. Hopefully, because metformin is significantly more effective than insulin therapy and lifestyle changes, it can and will be a start in the journey to discovering a cure for Type 2 diabetes in the near future. 
