Have you ever been tested for diabetes?
Diabetes can occur in people of all ages; in fact more teenagers are developing diabetes because of diet and lack of exercise. Keep your family healthy and aware by having a blood glucose test once a year. A simple finger-prick test at your local pharmacy can determine whether you may or may not have diabetes, the test takes a minute but can save you and your family from complications that may arise if you have diabetes.
Early diagnosis of diabetes is extremely important if it is to be managed correctly. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to diabetes, including unusual thirst, frequent urination, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue or lack of energy, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, cuts and bruises that heal slowly, itching skin and tingling and numbness in the hands or feet, it is important to chat to your healthcare practitioner to arrange for a full blood test. 1
Diabetes in South Africa
When one looks at the number of people with diabetes, the figures are overwhelming. Diabetes affects about 6 % of the South African population, that’s three and a half million people, and there are many more who are still undiagnosed.
According to Dr Larry Distiller, founder and managing director of the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology in Johannesburg, it is estimated that another five million South Africans have pre-diabetes, a condition where insulin resistance causes blood glucose levels to be higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be type 2 diabetes.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) notes that globally 366 million people have diabetes and predicts that this number will rise to 552 million by 2030.
Diabetes Awareness
Thankfully there is ever increasing awareness of the symptoms of diabetes as well as the risks if it goes undiagnosed and unmanaged. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a good time to get tested. The good news is that, once diagnosed, diabetes can be managed and diabetics can enjoy a full and rewarding quality of life.
There is also no need to feel alone; Diabetes South Africa www.diabetessa.co.za offers support groups for diabetics countrywide.
Diabetes Management
“There are a number of nutritional deficiencies found in many people with diabetes which can contribute to poor blood glucose control and the incidence of diabetic complications. Over and above any prescribed medication, diet and exercise, a multi-vitamin formulated especially for diabetics can help improve quality of life,” explains Francois Smuts Medical Scientist for Merck South Africa producers of Diabion. 1
More about Diabion
As a leader in diabetic prescription medicines, Merck Pharmaceuticals developed a multi-vitamin especially for diabetics. Diabion is a specially formulated supplement for people with diabetes to help combat oxidative stress and increase their quality of life.
Taken in addition to prescribed treatment – which usually includes medicines, diet and exercise – Diabion supplies nutrients in the precise amounts required by people with diabetes. Just one Diabion every morning with breakfast takes care of the special nutrient needs of the diabetic – and can help put that spring back into your step.
