Bid to raise awareness of dangers of diabetes

WITH the number of people living with diabetes ever escalating and growing numbers having amputations because of the disease, the East London branch of Diabetes SA (DSA) is doing its bit to raise awareness.

Sugar intake has posed a threat to people’s lives as they did not monitor or restrict themselves, largely due to ignorance, resulting in a rise in the number of amputees, regional spokesman Raman Khandoo said.

Khandoo decided to become an ambassador for Diabetes SA after being diagnosed with diabetes himself.

He said their role was to prevent more people undergoing amputations.

“If it happens that you are diabetic, you can still live a natural life provided you eat healthily.

“Some people are in denial [and] they do not want to admit that they have diabetes. It is very important that we educate them.

“In a number of cases people die due to this. If they had correct knowledge about diabetes, avoided certain things, [they could be helped].”

With November being Diabetes month, DSA will host fundraising events around the Eastern Cape.

There will also be talks to educate people about the disease on the first Saturday of every month at Regent Hotel in Quigney. Members are expected to pay a once-off R30 annual membership fee.

The East London branches of DSA also take their awareness campaigns to areas like Mdantsane and Buffalo Flats, churches and prisons. —