Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults but may occur in children and teenagers. This is the most common type of diabetes.

In Type 2 diabetes the body still makes the hormone insulin but not enough for the body’s need. The cells in the body become resistant to insulin so the body makes more insulin to try to keep the blood sugar (glucose) levels normal. Eventually, it cannot make enough and the blood glucose rises and diabetes develops.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in people with the following risk factors:

  • having a parent, sister, brother or child with diabetes
  • having a waist bigger than 94cm (man) or 80cm (women)
  • being overweight or obese
  • having had diabetes during pregnancy
  • being diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

Many people with Type 2 diabetes can control their sugar levels without medication by changing the food they eat and increasing the amount of exercise they take.

Tablets and insulin are sometimes needed in addition to a healthy diet and exercise to keep the blood glucose levels in the normal range.

WHERE TO GET HELP

The first point of contact for screening for diabetes mellitus in Botswana will be the local clinics or private surgeries. In Botswana, there is a clinic within the 5 km radius in towns, cities and villages. Specialized diabetes care can be accessed through our primary and district hospitals around Botswana.There is specialized clinic in children with diabetes and other hormonal disorders at Princess Marina Hospital. 

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