UVA doctor looks to help Type 2 diabetes patients

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Managing and treating Type 2 diabetes can look different for each patient.

This is why one UVA Health diabetes expert is urging doctors to work with their patients to find out what treatment works best.

He says it starts with open communication.

“The patient and the physician really need to sit down and talk about these are your options. Which option do you want to pursue? Which option do you think you can pursue for a lifetime? Which option fits best within your lifestyle and your family’s lifestyle?” said UVA Health Doctor, Daniel Cox.

Cox says that managing his own diabetes is what made him want to help others.

“Then that led to, well, I wonder if what worked for me works for other people,” said Cox.

While medications can help, sometimes treatment for Type 2 can be as simple as a lifestyle change, like diet and exercise habits.

Regardless of what a patient chooses to do, he says consistency is what will make a difference.

“It turns out the best approach is the one that you’re going to stick with for the rest of your life,” said Cox.

You can read to paper Cox helped to write here.

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