Your body has sugar— but can your body use it?

Director of Health Insurance scheme, State specialist hospital Ondo, Dr Olubusayo Modupe, explained how insulin is an hormone produced by a special cell, which is located in the pancreas.

He noted that insulin helps to push sugar from the blood to tissues and organs where it is needed.

Speaking further, he maintained that Diabetes Mellitus occurs when the body has excessive glucose in the bloodstream because the hormone insulin— produced by the pancreas—is insufficient or ineffective.

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Insulin acts as a “key” that unlocks cells so sugar can enter and be used as energy.

Without it:

• Sugar remains trapped in the blood
• Organs starve
• Excess sugar spills into urine
• Tissues begin to fail

This imbalance according to Dr Modupe poses “scarcity in the presence of a lot” which sets the stage for the complications seen in patients like Baba Kudi.

The medical expert highlighted Risk Factors for for Type 2 Diabetics to include:

• Family history: He said “if your dad or mum is diabetic, you may likely develop diabetes later in life”
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise

The expert further emphasized on the need to embrace lifestyle changes such as:

• Seeing a dietician regularly
• Eating more fruits and vegetables
• Losing weight if obese
• Exercising for 30 minutes, 5 days a week
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Taking medications strictly as prescribed
• Keeping routine medical appointments

As Nigeria joins the world in marking World Diabetes Day, health experts urge citizens to get tested, stay informed, and support those affected.

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