The International Diabetes Federation estimates that there are 2,6 million diagnosed cases of diabetes in South Africa. The good news is that it is preventable: a healthy diet and physical exercise is essential in preventing the onset and development of diabetes. Diabetes SA urges people to be aware of the risks and make changes in their lives to prevent the onset of diabetes and, most importantly, get tested.
Locally, World Diabetes Day (Friday 14 November) will start with an early morning walk in the Garden Route Botanical Garden and free screening at various venues is planned. Local doctor Jacques van Staden says, "Most people have Type 2 diabetes for up to five years before being diagnosed and this is why awareness is so critical in our society." The black community is most at risk of developing diabetes in South Africa mainly due to rapid lifestyle and cultural changes. People of Indian descent are also at risk because of their hereditary genes and diet.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood glucose levels caused by either a lack of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin effectively.
The body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin works in allowing the body to use glucose for energy. When you eat, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose. The food gets digested and broken down into a sugar your body's cells can use. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems: right away, your cells may be starved for energy. Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. It develops most often in adults but is increasingly seen in children and adolescents.
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, the hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. With the help of insulin therapy even young children can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.
Meagan Harker, Ubaid's (4) mother, monitors his sugar level at least six times a day. "The insulin dosage is set by Maureen Barnard, the diabetic sister and 'ducky' makes the adjustments to the insulin quantities depending on his food intake and level of activity as per his glucose readings."
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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