【Common Diseases】Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Guide in Hong Kong | Comprehensive Analysis of Medication, Diet, Exercise, and the Latest Technology
Hello everyone, today I'd like to discuss in depth the most common type of diabetes in Hong Kong : type 2 diabetes. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Department of Health and Hospital Authority, approximately 10% of the population suffers from diabetes , with approximately 90% of these cases being type 2. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which involves a complete lack of insulin, this condition is characterized by a resistance to insulin (insulin resistance) , coupled with a gradual decline in pancreatic function, leading to chronically high blood sugar levels.
Many people assume that "a pill can fix it," but treating type 2 diabetes is actually a comprehensive process involving diet, exercise, medication, and even the latest technology. We've compiled this highly detailed guide, drawing on information from public and private healthcare providers in Hong Kong, as well as international medical guidelines.
What is type 2 diabetes?
- Pathological mechanism : The body's cells become less responsive to insulin (insulin resistance), and the pancreas's ability to secrete insulin gradually decreases.
- High-risk groups : middle-aged or older, overweight or obese people, those with a family history of disease, long-term lack of exercise, and those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Progression characteristics : There may be no symptoms in the early stages, but blood sugar levels are already persistently high, which can damage blood vessels and organs in the long term.
Common symptoms (Hong Kong Diabetes Association information)
- Polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia
- easily tired
- Unexplained weight loss
- blurred vision
- Slow wound healing and recurrent skin infections
- Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms and blood tests are needed to detect
Principles of treatment for type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong
According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority's Diabetes Clinical Guidelines , treatment goals include:
- Control blood sugar (HbA1c is generally recommended to be < 7%, adjusted according to the patient's condition)
- Prevent or delay complications
- Treatment strategies to improve quality of life usually begin with lifestyle changes , followed by oral medications and then insulin or other injections when necessary.
1. Lifestyle changes (first step of treatment)
Dietary management
- Control carbohydrate intake : Choose foods with a low glycemic index (GI), such as whole-wheat bread, oats, and brown rice
- Avoid high-sugar drinks : soda, juice, milk tea, etc.
- High-fiber diet : Eat more vegetables, beans, and fruits (low-sugar type)
- Moderate protein : fish, lean meat, tofu
- Limit saturated fat : Eat less fried and fatty meats
Public hospitals in Hong Kong will arrange nutritionist consultations for newly diagnosed patients, while private medical services can arrange multiple follow-up visits more flexibly.
Exercise recommendations
- At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (brisk walking, swimming, cycling)
- Resistance training (dumbbells, stretch bands) at least 2 times a week
- Avoid sitting still for long periods of time and get up and move around every hour
weight management
- Losing 5-10% of your weight can significantly improve your blood sugar levels
- Some private clinics in Hong Kong provide weight loss medication or meal replacement solutions.
2. Drug treatment (oral hypoglycemic drugs)
If blood sugar levels are still not up to standard after 3 months of lifestyle changes, your doctor will prescribe medication.
Commonly used oral medications in Hong Kong:
- Metformin : A first-line medication that reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity
- Sulfonylureas : stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion (e.g., Gliclazide), but carry the risk of hypoglycemia
- DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g. Sitagliptin): Increase insulin secretion and reduce postprandial blood sugar rise
- SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., Empagliflozin): Promote renal glucose excretion and have cardiorenal protective effects
- TZDs (e.g., Pioglitazone): Improve insulin sensitivity, but be aware of weight gain and edema
💡 Public hospitals will consider using metformin first based on the patient's condition and cost; private healthcare can use new drugs more quickly.
3. Injection therapy
When oral medications are not enough to control blood sugar, or when a person's blood sugar is very high, an injection is added:
- Insulin : It is divided into rapid-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting, and is adjusted according to the patient's blood sugar pattern.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Liraglutide): can lower blood sugar and help with weight loss, and are suitable for patients with obesity or cardiovascular disease risk.
4. Monitoring and follow-up
- Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) : Daily measurement using a blood glucose meter
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) : Commonly used in private healthcare in Hong Kong, at your own expense
- Regular blood tests : check HbA1c every 3-6 months, and check kidney function, blood lipids, and fundus every year
Latest Medical Developments (Hong Kong Applications)
- Smart Blood Glucose Management App : Connect to a blood glucose meter or CGM to allow doctors to monitor remotely
- Combination medication : Combining two medications to simplify medication
- Personalized treatment : choosing medication based on genetics, lifestyle, and risk of complications
Editor's warm summary
Treating type 2 diabetes isn't as simple as taking medication to lower blood sugar; it requires long-term, comprehensive management . In Hong Kong, public hospitals offer the advantage of comprehensive specialist support and lower costs. Private healthcare, on the other hand, offers faster access to new medications and technology. We remind everyone that early detection and early control are crucial, as diabetes complications (such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation) often only develop after years of unstable blood sugar levels, significantly increasing the difficulty and cost of treatment.
This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles
