Join the Diabetes Support Group in Benoni this World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is commemorated annually on November 14. It was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.

The IDF theme for World Diabetes Day 2018 and 2019 is ‘The Family and Diabetes’.

The focus is about raising awareness about the impact diabetes has on the family, and the availability of support network to those affected by it, and to promote the role the family plays in the management, care, prevention and education about diabetes.

The Diabetic Support group in Benoni, which meets every third Thursday evening of the month, aims to enhance the knowledge of the patient about different aspects of diabetes, its dangers and how to prevent it.

Under the supervision of Dr Erasmus and Associates, Dr LM Roux provided some insight into the group about diabetes.

“Some of the main concerns discussed within the group include treatment options, outcomes, stress around initial diagnosis, healthy eating, being active, self-monitoring blood glucose and solving problems,” explained Roux.

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“The group is open to members of the public and we provide hands-on information to handle this condition according to current best practice.

“There is no fee charged and we often have guest speakers who come through to talk about living with and managing diabetes.”

Roux said doctors are available to answer questions outside of group hours as well.

“The importance is placed on realising other people have similar problems and the disease is manageable.

“We want to make an impact on minimising the massive health and economic challenge for the country (RSA), to reduce the statistics of diabetes being the second most common natural cause of death (Statistics South Africa 2018).”

Medical director at Lilly South Africa Dr Aneesa Sheik stated management of diabetes is crucial for an individual’s future health.

“Diabetes is an exceptionally challenging disease to live with and manage, requiring the support of specialist doctors, and a huge amount of discipline on the part of the patient,” she said.

“Good control of blood sugar levels is the ultimate goal, and effective insulin treatment will help prevent other serious issues such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, organ damage, eye problems, or in extreme cases, premature death.”

Symptoms of diabetes include:

• Unusual weight loss,

• Frequent urination,

• Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

• A persistent feeling of hunger or thirst

• Drowsiness, nausea or blurred vision.

• Slow healing wounds

• Frequent fungal infections

“Poor management of diabetes today has significant health repercussions later on in life such as kidney failure, heart failure, blindness and nerve damage.

“Tracking your symptoms and taking basic care by remaining healthy and active can help to improve the quality of life,” added Sheik.

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