Halt the Rise: Beat Diabetes this World Health Day

MBOMBELA – About 350 million people worldwide have diabetes, a number which is predicted to more than double in the next 20 years, particularly in countries like South Africa.

According to the HSFSA, diabetes was the direct cause of some 1.5 million deaths in 2012. More than 80 per cent of those occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

In South Africa it is estimated that one or two in every 10 adults has diabetes, with a much higher prevalence among adults older than 60.

“This paints a concerning picture, as the rate of diabetes is growing and poses a big challenge to governments, health services, communities and individuals, leading not only to poor health, disability and premature death, but also impacting on health care costs and loss of productivity,” the HSFSA said in a statement.

With diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar levels can severely compromise every organ system in the body, causing nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness, impotence and infections that can lead to amputations.

However heart disease and strokes are actually the biggest killers in those with diabetes.

“Diabetes more than doubles the risk for heart disease or strokes, which is why the HSFSA is joining the fight and emphasising the importance of preventing diabetes,” explained Dr Mungal-Singh, CEO of the HSFSA.

Diabetes increases the risk for heart disease directly by high glucose levels damaging the blood vessels, making them more prone to build up and stiffness. This means people with diabetes are more likely to develop atherosclerosis – the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels – at a younger age compared to people without diabetes.

The narrowing and eventual blockage of blood vessels can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Diabetes further amplifies the damage done by other risk factors for heart disease, like smoking, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure and abnormal blood lipids.

Diabetes can even affect the heart muscle itself, making it a less efficient pump.

Diabetes and heart disease share very similar root causes – unhealthy lifestyles, inactivity and excess weight.

“Until recently, Type 2 diabetes was seen only in adults, but our lifestyles are rapidly changing and as a result obesity levels are soaring. Alarmingly Type 2 diabetes is now also occurring in children, putting them at risk for heart disease at a younger age”, shares Mungal-Singh.

The good news is that for many people, diabetes, as well as heart disease and strokes, can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. And in those who already have diabetes, it can be treated and managed to prevent complications, such as heart disease and strokes,” says Prof Naomi Levitt, director of the Chronic Disease Initiative in Africa.

This World Health Day the HSFSA encourages South Africans to act on these five steps to prevent and manage diabetes.

• If in doubt, check! Typical symptoms of diabetes include more frequent urination, extreme thirst, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, tiredness, and loss of concentration, blurred vision, and delayed wound healing, and itching particularly around the genital areas.

“We encourage people older than 45 to have their blood sugar tested at least every three years, and earlier or more frequently if they have other risk factors for diabetes,” advises Mungal-Singh.

• Eat healthy. A healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits, and lower amounts of added sugars and unhealthy fats can help prevent Type 2 diabetes. It is also an approach to helping those with diabetes manage their condition.
• Be active. To prevent Type 2 diabetes, as well as to manage the condition, the goal is to be moderately active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
• Don’t smoke. It accelerating damage to blood vessels and drastically increases the risk for heart disease.
• Follow medical advice. Taking prescribed medication and controlling other chronic conditions is an essential strategy to managing diabetes and preventing further complications.

Read more about diabetes: Tired and thirsty? It may be the result of more than the heat