South Africa faces a diabetes crisis: What you need to know
Awareness and early action can make a massive difference in treatment of the disease.
One in nine South African adults lives with diabetes and the country has the highest prevalence of the disease in Africa.
Around 90% of cases are Type 2 diabetes, often linked to lifestyle factors, while Type 1 diabetes generally develops earlier in life.
According to Sweet Life – a community for South Africans living with diabetes – the disease is one of the fastest-growing health crises worldwide, affecting an estimated 537 million people.
Awareness and early action can make a massive difference in treatment and it is worth keeping an eye out for the common signposts of the disease. Key symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, fatigue and unexplained weight changes.
Diabetes results in elevated blood sugar levels, which need close management to be effectively controlled. The four cornerstones of control are blood sugar monitoring, regular exercise, a healthy diet and education.
Remember the acronym TEEL. Take your medication, Eat healthy food, Exercise daily and Lose weight if you need to.
World Diabetes Day will be held on November 14 with the theme of ‘Diabetes and well-being: Creating healthy workplaces for all’. The message this year is to encourage colleagues and employers to promote health and understanding.
For more information and resources, visit sweetlife.org.za and wear blue on November 14 to show your support.
Common myths about diabetes quiz (true or false):
1. Eating too much sugar gives you diabetes. (F)
2. You can live a long, healthy life with diabetes. (T)
3. If you have Type 2 diabetes, it’s your own fault for eating the wrong food and not exercising enough. (F)
4. Men with diabetes will suffer from impotence. (F)
5. Having diabetes means you will go blind. (F)
6. If you have diabetes, it’s important to eat healthy. (T)
7. Diabetes is easier if you talk about it with family and friends. (T)
8. People with diabetes are more likely to struggle with anxiety and depression. (T)
9. Millions of people are living with anxiety and depression. (T)
10. People with diabetes can never eat sweet things. (F)
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