Dieticians run 63km for diabetes
Nelspruit dieticians go the extra mile for two of their diabetes patients.
NELSPRUIT – They ran three half-marathons in three weeks – not for their own good, but for their patients. Livewell dieticians completed their last 21km-race on August 3 in aid of Charne Venter (13) and Donald Gray (27). Both have type 1 diabetes and struggle to control their blood-glucose levels. “They have been seen by many specialists across South Africa without any improvement,” says Livewell’s Natalie Grobler.
Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of an autoimmune condition. The pancreases are unable to produce any insulin, and as a result, glucose (sugar) builds up in the bloodstream. The cause is unknown; there is no prevention or cure. Once diagnosed, a person will have it for the rest of their lives. Uncontrolled blood-glucose levels associated with diabetes in general can have serious long-term complications, including kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputations and heart problems.
The treatment is the correct dose of insulin, a healthy eating pattern and exercise. The aim of treatment is to achieve “normal” blood-sugar levels.
Grobler says their aim as physicians was to ensure a better quality of life for their two patients by raising funds for insulin pumps. “Unfortunately these are extremely expensive and the medical aids do not cover the cost. We need to raise a total amount of R 50 000,” she said.
Three dieticians have completed three races of 21km over three weeks, all in under two hours. “We will do another two 21km-races over the next few months to raise the funds we still need.”
Halfway to their milestone of R50 000, these intrepid healers want to thank everyone who made a donation and for all the support they have received over the last few weeks. Grobler enthuses, “We all really appreciate it. This has been a wonderful journey for us.”
Donations are greatly appreciated.
Bank details:
Reference: Dia36/1 (Diabetes: Charne/Donald)
Du Toit Smuts & M Phosa Inc (Trust Account)
ABSA: Branch code: 632005. Account no: 4053085520
FNB: Branch code: 250655. Account no: 62078183565
Standard Bank: Branch code: 052852: Account no: 030299888
