World Diabetes Day 2024

BY: Mellissa Bushby

Diabetes is an increasingly common health concern worldwide, and South Africa is no exception.

In the Lowveld, our unique lifestyle and environmental factors impact the way diabetes manifests, making awareness, prevention and effective management crucial.

With many people in this area relying on both urban and rural resources, the risks associated with diabetes and the strategies for managing it need a focused approach that considers local dietary habits, physical activity levels and access to healthcare.

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either cannot produce enough insulin (Type 1) or struggles to use it effectively (Type 2), leading to high blood glucose levels. Busy lifestyles are often the cause of unhealthy eating and exercise habits, which can contribute to an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

In rural areas, healthcare facilities may be scarce, making it harder for residents to access essential diabetes screening and management tools.
Many people live with limited awareness of diabetes’ symptoms and risk factors.

Traditional diets high in carbohydrates, like maize-based meals, may contribute to elevated blood sugar levels if not balanced with exercise and other food groups.

Additionally, the adoption of more processed foods in urbanising areas exacerbates the issue.

Family history, age, physical inactivity and obesity are also significant risk factors, which are becoming increasingly present in South Africa, including the Lowveld.

Early symptoms include fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination and blurred vision. Given the often hectic, physically demanding lifestyle of the Lowveld, these symptoms may be easily overlooked, leading to delayed diagnoses.

Educating the community about these early signs is key in helping individuals recognise and seek help for diabetes at an earlier stage. Preventing diabetes involves lifestyle adjustments, particularly for those at high risk. Emphasising diets with locally available fruits and vegetables, instead of refined grains and sugary foods, is a great start.

Physical activity is another essential factor. While the region’s terrain and climate can pose challenges, activities like walking, gardening and dancing can offer suitable alternatives for exercise.

For those living with diabetes, access to consistent care and resources is essential. Community health initiatives that provide mobile screenings and education sessions, as well as local healthcare providers can work to equip patients with simple, effective tools like glucometers and nutritional guidance.

Support groups are a valuable resource, offering both practical advice and emotional support.

Establishing local groups in collaboration with hospitals and clinics can provide a space where individuals with diabetes can share their experiences, helping them feel empowered in managing their condition.

Diabetes is on the rise worldwide, and creating awareness requires a collective effort from communities, healthcare providers and local government.

By prioritising awareness, encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and making resources more accessible, diabetes can be kept in check and if not prevented, effectively managed, improving the quality of life for those affected.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is largely the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

The onset of type 2 diabetes can be gradual, and symptoms can be mild during the early stages. As a result, many people may not realise that they have this condition.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is characterised by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. Neither its cause nor the means to prevent it are known. Symptoms may occur suddenly and are more severe.

Most common symptoms of diabetes:
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Increased urination
• Dry mouth
• Losing weight unintentionally
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision

Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control

Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention and treatment of diabetes. Remember, it’s never too late to start.

• Lose extra weight
• Adopt an active lifestyle
• Follow a healthy, balanced eating pattern.
• No smoking and alcohol in moderation.
• Go for regular health check-ups

Diabetes treatment

Controlling blood glucose through self-care, oral medication or insulin is the main treatment and regular screening for complications.

Self-care:

Self-care includes physical exercise, quitting smoking, weight loss, medical nutritional therapy and daily monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Diabetes medication may change over time; this is a good thing.

The most important thing is to feel healthy, maintaining good blood glucose control and optimum long-term health.

Diabetes is a growing health challenge affecting many lives in our community.
As November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, it’s a timely reminder of the critical role that regular blood glucose testing plays in managing this condition effectively.

Early and consistent monitoring helps identify fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can prevent severe complications such as heart disease, kidney damage and vision loss.

While traditional finger-stick testing remains valuable, the recent availability of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) has transformed diabetes care.

CGM devices offer real-time, ongoing insights into blood glucose levels, providing greater accuracy and enabling users to make informed dietary and lifestyle choices. Unlike periodic checks, CGMs continuously monitor levels, alerting wearers to dangerous highs and lows before symptoms arise.

Accessible technology like CGM empowers people to take control of their diabetes, offering them a better quality of life and reducing long-term health risks.

Embracing this technology and regular testing is a proactive step toward a healthier future for those with diabetes in our community.

Phone Dr Attie van Wyk or Dr Johan Wolfaard on 013 755 4292, or a diabetic nurse for more information.

Diabetes can damage your eyes over time, leading to vision loss or blindness

Some eye problems that diabetes can cause:
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Diabetic macular edema: when blood vessels in the retina leak fluid into the macula.

Dr Edrich Engelbrecht is the ophthalmologist at Busamed Lowveld Private Hospital.

He offers a full range of ophthalmic services and has a special interest in the treatment of cataracts and diabetic eye disease.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.

The high blood sugar levels damages blood vessels in the retina (a part of your eye). Damaged blood vessels can leak fluid and bleed, causing blurry vision.

Tips for diabetic foot care:
• Daily feet checks for any injuries. Use a mirror to see or ask someone to help – dress all wounds antiseptically daily.
• Daily checks of shoes for sharp/foreign objects – to prevent injuries.
• Injuries can be avoided by using good closed shoes – open shoes/sandals only protect the feet from underneath, and bare feet have no protection.
• Feet may burn blisters from hot bathwater or if kept too close to heaters or fireplace – i.e. sit with your back towards any heat source. Also protect them from sunburn.
• Cut toenails a bit round (like the shape of the toe), file corners smooth to prevent ingrown toenails, and file hard skin (corns/calluses) with bath stones/foot files.
• Have your feet’s circulation and sensation checked annually – even if all’s well, painless problems may be very serious.