AceShowbiz - Retta, 54, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in July 2023, a condition she never anticipated. The actress and comedian opened up about her journey, shedding light on the realities and management of this chronic condition.

"I never thought of diabetes until the doctor said something," she shared in an interview with "Today". Despite often having slightly elevated A1C levels, which measure glucose levels, Retta had never fallen into the diabetic range before.

Life on the road significantly influenced her diet, favoring comfort foods over healthier choices. "When I'm on the road, I just want to eat comfort food. I'm not trying to be anybody's hero. So I know that's what it is," she admitted.

Hence, when her doctor finally informed her that medication was necessary, Retta experienced a mixed reaction. Recalling the moment, she confessed, "I was like, 'God damnit.' I almost wanted to be like, 'No, just let me try to get [my levels] down' ."

Despite her initial reluctance, Retta accepted the need for medical intervention and began taking Metformin, a medication prescribed to manage high blood sugar levels caused by Type 2 diabetes. Alongside the medication, she also made crucial changes to her diet.

Given her hectic schedule, the former "Parks and Recreation" star relies on a food delivery service, which now provides meals tailored to her diabetic needs. "When I'm home, I reel it in. On the weekends, I'll go to restaurants and stuff like that. But during the week I eat relatively [well]," she noted.

Retta's diagnosis also catalyzed her role as an advocate for diabetes awareness. Collaborating with glucose monitoring leader Dexcom and the nonprofit Beyond Type 2, she's hosting the first National Glucose Awareness Week.

Her aim is clear: to elevate the importance of glucose health and encourage others to pay closer attention to their sugar levels. Interestingly, Retta also discovered a family connection to diabetes only after her diagnosis. Her father, known for his healthy eating habits, is also on Metformin, highlighting the genetic aspect of the condition.

Through her journey, Retta hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges and believes she might someday manage her diabetes without medication. With determination in her voice, she shared, "Will I be able to get off it? [The doctor] said not likely, but I was like, 'I feel like I can fight this' because my numbers weren't so deep into the range."

Retta's story is a powerful reminder that despite the unexpected hurdles, with the right mindset, support, and resources, managing Type 2 diabetes is achievable.