Every year on May 10, the world celebrates Move for Health Day. It was proclaimed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2002 with an aim of promoting physical activity.
People from around the world are encouraged to be active with an aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle.
South Africa is one of the countries which celebrate this day and this year the focus has been on diabetes. Regular exercise and fitness have been commended as essential in managing diabetes.
Pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim joined the initiative and encouraged South Africans to adopt a more balanced and active lifestyle in order to fight type two diabetes.
Diabetes is a life threatening disease which is characterised by an increased level of sugar in the blood. It can lead to the failure of vital organs like the heart and kidneys.
It is estimated that about 2.28 million people in this country were living with diabetes last year. About 90% of these people were suffering from type two diabetes while a large proportion of them remain undiagnosed.
According to Shanil Naidoo, medical director at Boehringer Ingelheim South Africa, Type 2 Diabetes develops over a period of four to seven years in patients with particular risk factors including lack of exercise, poor diet, obesity and a history of diabetes during pregnancy.
Increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and the loss of weight despite eating more than usual are some of the warning signs for diabetes.
Anyone experiencing these signs is urged to immediately seek medical attention.
“While treatments exist to manage the condition, many patients do not reach their blood glucose targets.
“This increases their risks of heart attacks, strokes, blindness and kidney failure significantly,” said Naidoo.
It is important for people to pay attention to their weight especially because obesity is frequently linked to type two diabetes.
“Fitness and changes in diet are the first steps towards getting blood glucose levels back under control, but when these are not enough, appropriate medication becomes necessary and must be added to the lifestyle changes,” said Naidoo.
Keeping healthy and fit does not need to be a boring and tedious task. Fun walks and other outdoor activities can go a long way in keeping one healthy and safe from diabetes.
@MzwaJourno
