The statistics regarding diabetes in Gauteng indicate an increase in cases this year compared to the past two years.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed there are about 129 815 people diagnosed and on treatment for diabetes in the province for 2015.
He said in 2014, they had 121 791 patients.
Mabona said diabetes is a preventable disease and some of the major activities within the programme in Gauteng is community awareness and education through community-based events as well as education and knowledge sharing on healthy lifestyles .
“These events also include screening for diabetes and other health risks,” said Mabona.
He said, however for people who are already diagnosed with diabetes and under treatment, continued education and counselling is a challenge as the facilities do not have dedicated diabetes educators and counsellors, resulting in poor disease management and complications thereafter.
As part of November as World Diabetes Month, specialists are urging parents to ensure that tests are done routinely on children suffering from diabetes
The theme of this year’s awareness from the International Diabetes Federation is Act Today to Change Tomorrow.
Doctors recognise diabetes as a silent killer.
According to Suna Kassier a dietician, diabetes affects everyone.
Kassier said, “Being overweight is a great precursor of type 2 diabetes.”
According to the stats, in South Africa, an estimated 2.6 million people are diabetic – including children.
If you are unsure whether your child might have diabetes, the following symptoms are good indicators – extreme hunger, insatiable thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, and blurred vision, fungal and staphylococcal infections.
According to Gert Coetzee, co-owner and one of the pharmacists who developed The Diet Everyone Talks About, “The type of food you eat can play a huge role in helping a person reduce their chances of being diagnosed with diabetes.”
For details visit www.the-diet.co.za
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