Take on Diabetes SA Global Walk
Enter the fifth annual 2016 Diabetes SA Global Walk and Wellness Expo.
PUT your best foot forward at the fifth annual 2016 Diabetes SA Global Walk and Wellness Expo on Sunday, 13 November.
Designed to raise awareness about diabetes in KwaZulu-Natal, this two hour event begins at 8am at the Durban Beachfront, Amphitheatre/Bay of Plenty on the lower marine parade.
Family and friends who are either participating or spectating at this 5km fun walk are also invited to enjoy the wellness expo which will not only provide plenty of sound advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but also offer free glucose and blood pressure testing.
“Diabetes is the second highest cause of death in the eThekwini Municipality, yet this serious condition still remains in the shadow of HIV/AIDS and cancer,” said Jenny Russell, branch manager for Diabetes SA Durban, a non-profit organisation that provides support and wellness education for both diabetics and communities at large.
She said when you have diabetes, your body is either unable to make enough insulin, or it is unable to correctly use the insulin it does make. As a result, the glucose in your bloodstream cannot move into your cells to be used as energy and thus creates a build-up, resulting in high glucose levels.
Damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels is irreversible. Diabetes has been linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, lower limb amputations (worldwide, a lower limb is amputated every 30 seconds), sexual dysfunction as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Russell points out that up to 80 per cent of Type 2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity. This used to be the ambit of the “unfit, fat and over 40” group, but is now becoming more common in young adults and children.
Pre-enter for the Diabetes Walk by either collecting registration forms from Diabetes SA Durban – Office 204 Wheeler House, 112 Mathews Meyiwa (Stamford Hill) Road, Durban or go to arena three at uShaka Marine World Village Walk on Saturday, 5 November or Sunday, 6 November between noon and 3pm.
The walk is open to all and costs just R60. All proceeds go towards supporting Diabetes SA and its work in all communities. Even if you are not participating, all donations are welcome. Contact Diabetes SA on 084 717 7443 or durban@diabetessa.org.za or call Nerve Events on 031 201 2169 during office hours.
