Type 2 Diabetes

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the sugar (glucose) levels in the blood become too high. This happens because the body is unable to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the body’s cells for energy. When insulin doesn’t work well, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, leading to serious health problems over time.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, which usually starts in childhood and requires daily insulin, type 2 diabetes develops over time and is often linked to lifestyle habits. Many people in Africa are at risk due to changes in diet, reduced physical activity, and family history.

How common is type 2 diabetes in Africa?

  • In Ghana, an estimated 6% of adults have diabetes, but many do not even know they have it.
  • In Nigeria, over 4 million people live with diabetes, and this number keeps rising.
  • Across Africa, about 24 million people have diabetes, and this is expected to double by 2045 if nothing is done.
  • Many people only discover they have diabetes when complications like stroke, kidney disease, or foot ulcers develop.

Myths about diabetes (common misconceptions in Africa)?

  • “Diabetes is only caused by eating sugar” False! Eating too much sugar can contribute, but foods like fufu, rice, and bread also turn into sugar in the body.
  • “If my urine is sweet, I have diabetes” False! This is an unreliable way to test for diabetes. A simple blood sugar test at a hospital is more accurate.
  • “Diabetes is caused by spiritual forces or a curse” False! Diabetes is a medical condition, not a spiritual attack. It is caused by how the body handles sugar.
  • “Once I start taking medication, I must use it forever” Not always! With the right diet and exercise, some people manage to control diabetes without medication.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes can develop slowly, and many people do not notice the symptoms until it is serious. Be on the lookout for:

  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Always feeling hungry, even after eating
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Urinating (passing urine) more often, especially at night
  • Blurred vision
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  • Wounds that take a long time to heal
  • Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see a doctor immediately.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Several factors increase the risk of getting diabetes:

  • Family history: If your parents or siblings have diabetes, you are more likely to get it.
  • Obesity (excess weight): Having extra weight, especially around the belly, increases the risk.
  • Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle (little movement) makes it harder for the body to use insulin properly.
  • Unhealthy diet: Eating too much processed food, white bread, sugary drinks, and fried foods increases the risk.
  • Age: The risk increases after 40, but more young people in Africa are now getting diabetes due to lifestyle changes.
  • Other health conditions: High blood pressure and high cholesterol increase the chances of developing diabetes.

How to manage and treat type 2 diabetes?

The good news is that diabetes can be managed, and in some cases, reversed. Here’s how:

Lifestyle Changes

  • Eat healthier: Reduce sugary foods and refined carbs (white bread, white rice, sweetened drinks). Eat more vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lean proteins.
  • Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking, dancing, or physical activity every day.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood sugar control.
  • Drink plenty of water: Avoid sugary drinks like soda, fruit juice, and energy drinks.
  • Eat at regular times: Skipping meals can cause blood sugar levels to spike or drop.

Medications (if needed)

Sometimes, lifestyle changes are not enough, and medication is needed to keep blood sugar levels normal. Common medications include:

  • Metformin: The first-choice medicine that helps lower blood sugar.
  • Sulfonylureas: Help the body produce more insulin.
  • SGLT2 inhibitors: Help remove excess sugar from the body through urine.
  • DPP-4 inhibitors: Help reduce blood sugar levels.

Regular health check-ups

  • Get your blood sugar tested at least once a year, especially if you are at risk.
  • If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly and visit your doctor for check-ups.

Why you should not ignore diabetes?

If left untreated, diabetes can cause:

  • Blindness: High blood sugar can damage the eyes.
  • Kidney failure: Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease.
  • Heart disease: Increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Foot ulcers: Poor blood circulation can cause sores that do not heal, sometimes leading to amputation.

Final advice: Take action now!

Diabetes is not a death sentence, but it needs serious attention. Simple changes in diet, exercise, and regular check-ups can help prevent or control diabetes. If you experience symptoms, don’t wait – visit a hospital or clinic today!