Nurses make a difference
This year’s World Diabetes Day was commemorated on November 14 and carried the theme ‘The Nurse and Diabetes’.
It aims to raise awareness around the crucial role that nurses play in supporting people living with diabetes.
Nurses are the first point of contact in the provision of healthcare to patients and play a key role in early diagnosis to ensure prompt treatment.
According to the acting manager of acute and chronic care in the City’s Health and Social Department, Patrick Magodzho, nurses accounts for 59 per cent of health professionals.
“As the number of people with diabetes increases so does the support from nurses become increasingly important in managing the impact of the condition,” said Magodzho.
“People living with diabetes face a number of challenges, and education is vital to equip nurses with the skills to support them,” said Magodzho.
Magodzho said nurses are trained on non-communicable diseases on a quarterly basis.
In-service training is also offered as and when required. This includes up-skilling health practitioners on new equipment to enhance the services that is offered to Ekurhuleni patients.
“Diabetes can become a life-threatening disease, with devastating complications if not treated early and managed appropriately. The City of Ekurhuleni thanks its nurses for upholding their oath and serving residents with pride and dignity.”
Warning Signs
The City of Ekurhuleni’s Health Department is urging families to learn more about the warning signs of diabetes and seek medical attention if they experience any of the following:
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Numbness in the feet and/or hands.
