Sight Centre shares information on how diabetes affects sight
In honour of National Diabetes Month, ophthalmologist Dr Nancy Melani from Sight Centre hosted a diabetes awareness event for older residents.
POLOKWANE – November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country seek to raise awareness around diabetes and its symptoms and managing the disease.
To acknowledge the month and educate the community about the disease, ophthalmologist Dr Nancy Melani from Sight Centre at 62 Hoog Street in Polokwane hosted a diabetes awareness event for older residents on November 18.
Guests were welcomed with gospel music and staff member Maropeng Mokubedi opened the programme with prayer.
Alongside Dr Melani was Dr Kalushi Lesenya who’s also an ophthalmologist based at 64 Plein Street.
“When you learn that you have diabetes, don’t wait until the day you can’t see or lose your vision, rather do a checkup prior with your doctor so that you know the pros and cons.
“Know how to manage the disease before it gets worse. We’re there to help if you experience complications with your eyes,” Dr Lesenya said.
Dietician Olga Nchabeleng gave guests a list of healthy foods and drinks they can consume to better manage diabetes.
“Patients are fortunate to have doctors such as our ophthalmologists here to see where they can assist you with the disease.
“When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to watch what you eat because some foods such as starch, milk or fruit can affect your sugar levels. An example of a healthier fruit to eat is a banana that’s bright yellow and not the ones with black spots as they’re sweet and will rise your sugar levels.
“Remember to always drink water before you eat,” dietician Nchabeleng advised.
Guests enjoyed breakfast and lunch, followed by a session of quick and easy aerobics. All visitors received a free diabetic retinopathy screening by Melani and Lesenya in separate consultation rooms.
“Diabetic retinopathy screening is very important to prevent loss of vision, and patients are not aware of the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy. Early detection can prevent blindness. We appreciate everyone, especially the elderly residents who took the time to attend our event,” Dr Melani en Lesenya said.
