In South Africa, it is estimated that 3.85 million South Africans suffer from diabetes, with many remaining undiagnosed. The truth is we check our social media activity more than enough, but can the same be said about our own health?
Diabetes is the number one cause of death among women in South Africa and the second cause of death among men and women combined, only second to tuberculosis. This underscores the need for education and a comprehensive plan to address the condition.
South Africans also struggle with limited access to proper healtcare services and medication - especially in rural and poor communities.
South Africans with diabetes lack sufficient knowledge about their condition. This impacts their ability to adopt the changes necessary to take care of their condition.
Consequently, diabetes control is suboptimal, resulting in high rates of otherwise preventable diabetes-related complications such as amputations, kidney failure, stroke and blindness.
There is an urgent need to improve access to diabetes education for those living with the condition and for healthcare providers.
If you have any of the following diabetes symptoms, see your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested:
Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night.
Are very thirsty.
Lose weight without trying.
Are very hungry.
Have blurry vision.
Have numb or tingling hands or feet.
Feel very tired.
Have very dry skin.
