A young mother of two, Tebogo Mokgope (27) was shocked to learn that although obesity is associated with diabetes, no one is immune to the disease.
Every year, November 12 is observed as World Diabetes Day and the City of Ekurhuleni took a campaign to Rabasotho Community Hall in Tembisa to spread awareness about this silent killer.
“I never cared to check myself. I am young and not obese so I really didn’t think that I was at risk until I learned today that I am killing myself and my kids with the oily food I cook and sugary drinks I give them,” she said.
Mokgope acknowledged that a lifestyle change is long overdue after learning that diabetes is among the leading causes of death.
Ekurhuleni encourages its residents to look out for the following warning signs:
- Blurred vision;
- Fatigue;
- Frequent urination;
- Increased thirst and hunger;
- Nausea;
- Skin infection;
- Weight loss or gain that has no obvious cause;
- Wounds that heal slowly.
Communities are also advised to follow the diabetic portion plate to prevent diabetes health-related ailments:
- Half the plate should consist of fruits and vegetables;
- One-quarter of the plate should be ones’ choice of protein;
- The other quarter should be filled with any starch.
*Press release supplied by Themba Gadebe, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson.
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