Retta, best known for her roles in television shows like “Parks and Recreation” and “Good Girls,” never paid much attention to her glucose levels until she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in July 2023. Upon learning that her doctor wanted to put her on Metformin, a medication for high blood sugar levels, Retta was initially resistant and preferred to try to lower her levels through diet and exercise. However, her doctor eventually determined that medication was necessary due to her consistently elevated glucose levels. Now, the 54-year-old is working with glucose monitoring leader Dexcom and nonprofit Beyond Type 2 to raise awareness about the importance of glucose health.
Prior to her diagnosis, Type 2 diabetes was not something Retta had considered, as she was not aware of any family history of the condition. However, she did learn that her father also takes Metformin once she started the medication herself. Managing her diabetes with medication, Retta has also made changes to her diet, especially when she is on the road for work and has limited time to cook. She has worked with a food delivery service to adjust her meals slightly to accommodate her diabetic needs. Additionally, she focuses on healthy eating during the week and indulges in restaurants on weekends.
Glucose monitoring is a crucial component of managing diabetes, as diabetics experience poor utilization of glucose and higher sugar levels. During National Glucose Awareness Week, Retta, Dexcom, and Beyond Type 2 will spotlight glucose resources, including glucose biosensors that provide insights into how food, sleep, and exercise impact glucose levels. Since her diagnosis, Retta has been using Dexcom’s Stelo glucose biosensor to monitor her levels more closely. She has observed spikes in her glucose levels after consuming certain foods and drinks, such as coffee with creamer, and has adjusted her diet accordingly to reduce carb intake.
Retta hopes to manage her Type 2 diabetes without medication in the future, although her doctor has advised that it may not be likely. By closely monitoring her glucose levels and making dietary changes, she has been successful in keeping her glucose spikes within range. While some Type 2 diabetics may be able to manage their condition without medication if their weight decreases significantly, there is no cure for Type 2 diabetes. Glucose monitoring is also essential for non-diabetics, as many individuals may be unaware they have diabetes or are at risk for the condition, according to the CDC.
Mismanaged glucose levels over time can lead to various health complications, including damage to blood vessels, eye disease, kidney issues, neuropathy nerve disease, and more. Additionally, high sugar levels combined with other factors like high cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking can contribute to larger blood vessel problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Understanding the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and numbness or tingling in hands and feet, is crucial for early detection and management of the condition. Regular screening for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes is recommended starting at age 35, per the CDC.
