NEW REDRUTH: 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.
Diabetes in South Africa
When one looks at the number of people with diabetes, the figures are overwhelming. Diabetes affects about 6 per cent 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 two 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.
Free testing on Saturday
On Saturday November 9 you can go along to the Greek Hall, 11 Penzance Street, New Redruth, Alberton. Admission is free and testing will be done for sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. The hall opens at 08:30. Alternatively Mulbarton Hospital is holding health and wellness day for the community, also on Saturday November 9 from 08:30 to 15:00. They will be having free tests for BP, glucose and cholesterol, audio and vision dieticians will also be on board
giving out health tips on a good lifestyle.
