The 145 MediRite pharmacies in Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets across South Africa will offer free blood sugar tests from November 9 to 14 in support of World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated on Monday, November 14.
Brakpan residents can have their blood sugar levels tested at Shoprite Brakpan or Checkers Hyper Mall@Carnival.
Customers are urged to make an appointment at their local MediRite, where the friendly and qualified pharmacists will administer blood sugar tests completely free-of-charge.
“Diabetes is a chronic disease where the body is unable to properly use sugar, in the form of glucose, for energy. Glucose then backs up in the bloodstream, causing one’s blood glucose to rise too high,” explained Razana Allie, a diabetes nurse specialist with the Diabetes Education Society of South Africa.
“Symptoms of diabetes can include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, blurred vision and more.
“If left untreated, it may lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and limb amputations. People with risk factors such as family history or increased weight, or even symptoms they are unsure of, are advised to seek medical advice and get tested for diabetes.”
Allie advises that healthy eating habits and regular exercise can assist with managing and even preventing diabetes.
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