• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
No Result
View All Result
1
Home Sci-tech

SA joins world for Diabetes Day

14 November 2017, 10:35 AM  |
Skhangiwe Mthiyane Skhangiwe Mthiyane |  @SABCNews

World Diabetes Day is commemorated on the 14th of November across the world to highlight diabetes, its dangers and how to live with the potentially life threatening disease.

Diabetes is a disease that can affect anyone regardless of age, colour or creed. It is when ones blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. The human body gets glucose from the food it consumes. According the World Health Organization, roughly 3.85 million people in South Africa are living with diabetes.

The country is one of the 32 countries of the International Diabetes Federation.

Across the world they are over 415 million people according to WHO. Diabetes is also the second highest cause of death in SA. It has been linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, sexual dysfunction as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Two common types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes – Occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. It usually starts in young people under the age of 30, including very young children and infants, and the onset is sudden and dramatic. People who have type 1 diabetes must inject insulin to survive. Insulin dosages are carefully balanced with food intake and exercise programmes.

Type 2 diabetes – Is caused when the insulin, which the pancreas produces, is either not enough or does not work properly. Approximately 85 – 90% of all people with diabetes are type 2, and many people who have this condition are undiagnosed. Most people with type 2’s are over 40. They are usually overweight and do not exercise.                                          Report: Diabetes South Africa

Symptoms of diabetes:

  • Abnormal thirst.
  • Recurrent urination.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Frequent or recurring infections.
  • Fatigue or lack of energy.
  • Cuts and bruises that take more than usual to heal.
  • Tingling and numbness in the hands or feet.

*Many people with Type 2 diabetes show 2 diabetes may show no symptoms.

What to do when you have diabetes:

  • Maintain a healthy weight which is in line with your body mass index.
  • Make better eating decisions, eat a balanced meal with the right nutrients.
  • Don’t skip meals as this may cause your energy levels to drop, snack in between meals.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Diabetes alone claimed more than 25 000 lives in 2015, according to Statistics SA, and some 10 000 new cases are diagnosed at public health facilities every month.

The country has a growing number of obese and overweight people which is caused by unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise.

This has prompted government to propose a sugar tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says sugar is destroying people’s health. Diabetes alone claimed more than 25 000 lives in 2015, according to Statistics SA, and some 10 000 new cases are diagnosed at public health facilities every month. The country has a growing number of obese and overweight people which is caused by unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise.

Many people living with diabetes take insulin injections.

Insulin allows the cells in the muscles, fat and liver to absorb glucose that is in the blood. The glucose serves as energy to these cells, or it can be converted into fat when needed. Insulin also affects other metabolic processes, such as the breakdown of fat or protein, according to the Hormone Health Network.

Share article
Tags: WHODiabetes
Previous Post

BLSA laments resignation of Treasury’s head Michael Sachs

Next Post

WATCH: ANC media briefing

Related Posts

A tap with a droplet of water.

UN Water Conference kicks off as world marks World Water Day

22 March 2023, 9:30 PM
Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, the Old Coronation Hospital.

“Report exposes state of Gauteng public health facilities”

15 March 2023, 11:09 AM
Members of Nehawu on strike

Phaahla links four deaths to Nehawu’s wage strike

9 March 2023, 1:00 PM
Silhouettes of mobile users are seen next to a screen projection of Instagram logo in this picture illustration taken March 28, 2018.

Instagram down for thousands of users globally

9 March 2023, 7:33 AM
[File Image]: A nurse at one of South Africa's hospital during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Patients suffer as health workers strike

9 March 2023, 7:30 AM
A representation of depression

Negative impact of rolling blackouts on mental health

7 March 2023, 5:56 PM
Next Post
On Monday the ANC dismissed reports that the meeting discussed the possible removal of its secretary-general, Gwede Mantashe.

WATCH: ANC media briefing

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • Decision on Zimbabwean Exemption Permits causing confusion: TASA
  • [Editorial Update] Unisa suspends registrar for various breaches of policy
  • Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi Lorch found guilty of assault
  • Slain teen Palesa Malatji’s family calls for death sentence to be reinstated
  • Female student stabbed to death at NMU residence
  • Dr Nandipha’s looks during court appearances under the spotlight
  • Deadline for Zimbabwean Exemption Permits draws near
  • Reserve Bank expected to increase repo rate on Thursday
  • Zimbabwe receives 18 helicopters from Russian Federation
  • Eastern Cape ActionSA raises eyebrows over qualifications of senior officials
  • Decision on Zimbabwean Exemption Permits causing confusion: TASA
  • Mabuyane amends court application to interdict SIU from continuing investigation
  • South Africa needs to create new cities to address overpopulation: Kubayi
  • Chitando pushes for permanent residency for ZEP holders
  • KZN teacher to run double Comrades to fund schooling for children

LATEST

[File Image] National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola during the release of quarterly crime statistics.
  • South Africa

Over 200 sentenced to life for GBV, says Masemola


A person holds up their passport showing their visa
  • Business

Calls for more action to ease visa regulations between SA, France


A customer arrives at the Post Office in Pimville, Soweto.
  • South Africa

Government says it will fight to ensure the survival of the Post Office


Zimbabwean flag
  • Africa

Professor Mutambara says African continent needs new leadership


Picture of a laboratory
  • South Africa

Treatment of cancer receives R600 mln boost with launch of Isotope facility


Suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane
  • Politics

S194 Inquiry changes course, wants evidence in writing


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2023

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2023

Previous BLSA laments resignation of Treasury’s head Michael Sachs
Next WATCH: ANC media briefing