Type 2 Diabetes
What’s type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes happens when your body can’t handle sugar (glucose) properly. Normally, your body uses a hormone called insulin to get sugar into your cells for energy. But with type 2 diabetes, your body struggles to use insulin correctly. Over time, this causes sugar to build up in your blood, leading to health problems.
Myths about diabetes?
- No, it’s not just sugar that raise your blood but some carbohydrate meals such as fufu, banku, or kenkey can also turn into sugar.
- Don’t taste your urine. Some people try tasting their urine to check for diabetes. It totally unhealthy and unnecessary. Instead, get a blood test.
Symptoms?
In the early stages, you might feel:
- Always hungry
- Tired all the time
- Thirsty and urinating frequently
As it gets worse, you might experience problems with your eyes, kidneys, gums, or even heart trouble.
What causes type 2 diabetes?
- Family history: If diabetes runs in the family, you’re at higher risk.
- Eating too much processed food: Like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fried stuff.
- Too much weight: Extra weight can make your body resist insulin.
- Lack of exercise: Your body needs to move to stay healthy.
Managing type 2 diabetes?
- Eat healthy: Go for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Skip too much refined sugar!
- Move more: Walk, dance, or do anything to get active for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Medications: Sometimes, you’ll need meds to help your body handle the sugar. Your doctor will guide you.