City drive for screenings

SOUTH Africa joined the international community in observing World Diabetes Day yesterday, under the theme “The family and diabetes”.

Diabetes mellitus is the second leading cause of natural death in South Africa, according to the National Department of Health.

“An estimated one out of every three people with diabetes has the disease and does not know it,” said the department.

“About 25% of newly diagnosed diabetes patients already have established complications, therefore the importance of early diagnosis through screening and prompt treatment cannot be overemphasised.”

If not well controlled, diabetes may cause blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputations and other complications, such as heart disease and stroke.

“Since family members can play a vital role in a patient’s disease management, involving them in self-care interventions may positively influence patients’ diabetes outcomes,” notes the department.

There are two types of diabetes; Type 1 and 2. Type 1 occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use insulin it produces. Type 2 is diagnosed by observing raised levels of glucose in the blood.

Prevalence of diabetes in adults is increasing worldwide. The city said it recorded more than 30000 clients screened for diabetes from January to June this year.

“City Health has embarked on a drive to encourage those in highrisk groups to come to our clinics for screening. They include people with a family history of diabetes, and those who are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle and have unhealthy habits such as smoking,” said Safety and Security and Social Services mayoral committee member JP Smith.