November 15, 2006
By Tammy O'Reilly
DIABETES is a life-threatening condition but steps can be taken to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.
That's the assurance from the City's Health Department and during Diabetes Week, which began on 14 November and continues until 19 November, citizens are urged to get tested for the illness. People who are diabetic are advised to take the necessary measures to bring it under control.
The City held its main diabetes awareness event at the Signal Terrace Mall in Lenasia on 15 November and throughout the week all clinics will hand out pamphlets, test people and give advice on lifestyle changes needed to manage or prevent the disease.
"Diabetes may only come under the spotlight on World Diabetes Day but at the clinics in the City of Johannesburg there is continued education around the disease," says Maureen Rabosiwana, the City's assistant director for public health.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into the energy that we need to live. Complications that can arise from diabetes are hypertension, kidney failure, cardiac arrest, stroke and blindness.
Sugar levels were tested at the mall and people with abnormal levels were referred to a doctor or one of the City's clinics. Also on hand to give advice were Virgin Active, the Diabetes Association of South Africa, and podiatrists as diabetics' feet are usually affected.
Types of diabetes
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the body does not make enough insulin. This is dangerous and most people with this type of diabetes need to inject themselves with insulin or take it in tablet form.
Type 2 diabetes, which occurs mostly in people over the age of 35, results from resistance to insulin and in most cases it can be treated without medication. According to the South African Diabetes Association, about 85 percent to 90 percent of diabetics have type 2 diabetes.
"Eating patterns and exercise play a very important role in controlling diabetes and often lifestyle changes, especially if you have type 2 diabetes, are enough to bring the disease under control," says Rabosiwana. "Our clinics will encourage all patients to exercise regularly and to watch what they eat."
Symptoms
Those most at risk of getting the disease are overweight, 35 years or older, have high blood pressure or have a family member that is diabetic. The symptoms to look out for are:
Sores and boils that will not heal;
Urinating more than usual;
Weight loss while eating normally;
Numb feet;
Itchy private parts; and
Vision problems.
Testing for diabetes can be done at your local clinic or doctor.
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