CURRENT TREATMENTS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES, THEIR SIDE EFFECTS AND POSSIBLE COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder in the endocrine system and characterized by a varied and complex pathophysiology. World-wide there is a dramatic increase in the number of patients for type 2 diabetes, and hence it is becoming a serious threat to the health of mankind. Commercially a large number of drugs belonging to different classes such as biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides and thiazolidinediones are available to control and treat the type 2 diabetic patients. However, none of these drugs are known to completely cure the diabetic phenotype. On the other hand, a long term usage of these drugs exhibits several side effects and complications to different organs of the body which ultimately lead to cardiovascular problems, liver disease, kidney disease and weight gain too. Like many other drugs, these anti-diabetic drugs are also known to interfere and interact with other non anti-diabetic drugs, if the patient is taking them for a long time. To combat the side effects of these drugs, complementary treatments may be found as a preventive measure and more promising in the management of disease phenotypes in these patients. As per reports available from a large number of studies, these complementary therapies may include physical exercise, dietary supplements and Nutraceuticals.