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Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know

When Insulin Stops Working Properly

In Type 2 diabetes, your body still makes insulin, but your cells don’t respond to it the way they should. This is called “insulin resistance.” Your pancreas tries to keep up by making more and more insulin, but eventually it can’t keep pace.

Think of it like this – the keys still exist, but the locks on your cells are getting rusty and harder to open.

The Reality for Barbados

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes in Barbados. Maybe it runs in your family. Maybe you’ve recently been diagnosed yourself.

The good news? Type 2 responds well to lifestyle changes, especially when caught early.

Who Gets Type 2?

Type 2 typically develops in adults over 45, but we’re seeing it more and more in younger people.

You’re at higher risk if you:

Have family members with Type 2 diabetes
Are overweight or carry extra weight around your middle
Are not physically active
Have had gestational diabetes
Have prediabetes
Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol

Having risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get diabetes, but it does mean prevention and early detection matter.

What Causes It?

Type 2 develops when several factors work together, for example, genetics, weight, physical inactivity, and diet.

While you can’t change your family history, you can influence many of the other risk factors. This is the type of diabetes where lifestyle changes can make a real difference, both in prevention and management.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Type 2 often develops slowly. You might not notice symptoms at first, which is why screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they might include:

Feeling tired all the time
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Blurry vision
Slow-healing cuts or bruises
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Frequent infections

Many people discover they have Type 2 during a routine checkup. That’s actually good news as early detection means earlier intervention.

How It’s Managed

Management typically includes:

Healthy eating
Regular physical activity (e.g. walking)
Weight management (even losing 5-10% of your body weight helps)
Regular blood sugar monitoring
Stress management

Some people with Type 2 diabetes eventually need insulin as the condition progresses. If that happens, it doesn’t mean you failed, it just means your body needs more support.

Type 2 is a progressive condition, and treatment evolves with it.

Let’s Talk About Food

You’re probably worried about giving up the foods you love. Rice and peas. Macaroni pie. Fish cakes. Cou-cou. Your grandmother’s sweet bread.

But managing Type 2 isn’t about never eating these foods again. It’s about portions, balance, and making small modifications that add up.

We can show you how to make healthier versions of traditional Bajan dishes. How to enjoy Sunday lunch without spiking your blood sugar. How to navigate fetes and family gatherings confidently.

Can Type 2 Be Reversed?

You might hear people talk about “reversing” diabetes. What they usually mean is getting blood sugar into a normal range without medication through significant lifestyle changes, such as weight loss.

Common Misconceptions

“Type 2 isn’t as serious as Type 1”
Not true. Type 2 is serious and can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and other complications if not managed well.

“I got Type 2 because I ate too much sugar”
While diet plays a role, Type 2 is complex, involving genetics, overall lifestyle, and other factors. It’s not about blame.

“I can’t eat any carbs”
False. Carbs aren’t the enemy, it’s about choosing the right types and amounts. You can still enjoy traditional foods with some modifications.

You Can Live Well with Type 2

We’ve worked with thousands of Barbadians successfully managing Type 2 diabetes. They’re living full lives—working, traveling, enjoying family, pursuing hobbies.

The key is consistency, not perfection. Small, sustainable changes add up over time.