KAPAMILYA actor Sam Milby revealed that he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year, despite his balanced and healthy lifestyle.
The 40-year-old actor shared this in an Instagram post on Monday, June 25, along with a photo of a blood glucose monitor kit that read “525 mg/dL.”
“I’ve always thought of myself as a healthy person. I don’t have a sweet tooth, bihira din mag junk food, pero last year I found out na may type 2 diabetes na ako,” said Milby.
He added that neither his parents nor godparents were diagnosed with the condition.
Milby shared that he was always thirsty and often urinated, which were already symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
“I just wish I got checked up earlier nung prediabetes pa,” he stressed.
The actor then advised the public to not ignore the symptoms and undergo regular check-ups.
What is type 2 diabetes?
According to the Mayo Clinic, type 2 diabetes, which is more common in older adults, occurs when there is a problem “in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel.”
Two main problems cause this condition: one is when the pancreas is not producing enough insulin, and two is when cells respond poorly to insulin and refuse to take in enough sugar.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly and may take years for an individual to realize they already have the condition, said the non-profit American academic medical center.
The symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unintended weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, frequent infections, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and areas of darkened skin (usually in the armpits and neck).
The Department of Health – Cordillera (DOH-CAR) noted that genetics, age, and family history of diabetes could increase the likelihood of acquiring diabetes. However, it said that unhealthy diet and physical activity could also contribute to risk.
Currently, there’s no cure for type 2 diabetes, but the DOH-CAR advised the public to eat healthily, be physically active, avoid excessive weight gain, check blood glucose, and follow medical advice.
WebMD also raised the possibility of reversing type 2 diabetes through changes in diet and weight loss.
Messages of support
Several celebrities and internet personalities–including Troy Montero, Isabel Oli, Say Alonzo, and Chris Tiu–wished Milby well and gave him hope that his diagnosis could still be reversed.
Other netizens, who were also diagnosed with diabetes, also shared some tips to Milby to stay healthy.
