DIABETES – A KILLER ON THE RISE

DIABETES is killing South Africans faster than HIV/Aids. This week a report released by Statistics South Africa announced that 1.2 million people in KwaZuluNatal alone are suffering from diabetes. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE AND OBESITY ARE FEEDING AN EPIDEMIC

STATISTICALLY, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Indian community in KZN, with diabetes a close second, according to Jenny Russell, branch manager of Diabetes SA in Durban.

“However, it was found that most patients who died from cardiovascular disease also suffered from diabetes.”

Russell urged people not to take the disease lightly, saying there were no borderline cases of diabetes.

“You cannot have a touch of sugar (diabetes). You are either diabetic or not.”

Mogie Govender, chairwoman of the Chatsworth Diabetes Action Group, confirmed the number of people suffering from the disease was increasing.

Govender, who runs a voluntary clinic and support group for diabetics, said the reason for the spike in the Indian community was due to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

“If you compare the lifestyle of many Indians now to two years ago, there is certainly a change. People seriously need to consider making a lifestyle change. Diet and exercise are of paramount importance,” she said. “Diet is not only about eating healthily, but also about portion sizes.” She urged people to eat smaller meals more frequently, balancing fruit,vegetable and protein intake.

Govender said sadly people were walking around with diabetes for at least five to seven years before they were diagnosed.

“When diagnosed, the Indian community also uses medication such as insulin as a last resort. There are so many myths regarding medication. Hence we believe that education is ammunition.”

She added people needed to understand that a person with diabetes could live a normal healthy life, if treated correctly.

“I have been living with the disease for 33 years and I hope to inspire others. People also need to realise that ignorance of the disease can lead to a stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and sexual dysfunction.”

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 where the body does not produce any insulin, and Type 2 where the body does not produce enough insulin for proper functioning.

Symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain or unusual weight loss, fatigue, and cuts and bruises that do not heal.

OBESITY Hoosen Motala, 84, chairman of Diabetes SA’s Durban branch, described the increase as conservative.

“Diabetes is a non-communicable

ABOVE: Jenny Russels

RIGHT: A Diabetic uses an insulin disease and thus the statistics are only an estimate. There are millions of people walking around undiagnosed,” he said.

“The fact is that diabetes is killing South Africans faster than HIV. It is a silent killer. People are walking around with sugar in their blood stream, which is making their kidneys work overtime, and they are unaware. Sadly people have false perceptions about the seriousness of diabetes and live in denial.”

Tackling school pupils is the first step in curbing the disease.

“There has been a spike in child sufferers due to poor diet, and very much so the Indian community.

“Many children nowadays in South Africa are obese. Instead of fruits and nuts, parents are giving their children burgers and chips. Parents need to reconsider this.”

Motala said everyone should engage in 30 minutes of activity at least three times a week.

“Even if it’s a walk in your area, everyone should get active. Apart from treating diabetes, it also prevents heart disease and stroke. Remember, exercising is half your treatment.”

Motala added that 20 years ago families did not eat out every Friday. Now this was a growing trend.

“There was never an abundance of sausages and polony in the fridge, and people ate fresh vegetables from their garden.

“Today it’s straight from the freezer into the microwave. How can those preservatives be beneficial?”

He said children did not play outside anymore.

“After school they eat lunch and sit in front of the television or play on Playstation. Parents need to encourage outdoor activity.”

Motala said the method of cooking also needed to change.

“Nowadays when a wife sees a five-litre bottle of cooking oil on special, she sends her husband to buy three bottles. What is the need to use so much oil?”

SCHOOLS Jasper Barnabus, who runs Denim for Diabetes, frequents schools in and around Durban to create awareness.

“We try to educate school pupils on the importance of a healthy balanced diet and we are hoping they take the message to their parents.

“More and more young children from across the board are becoming diabetic and it all has to do with diet. Are parents aware of what their children are eating with the spending money they get?”

Barnabus said as part of the awareness, kids wear denim and a sticker and give a contribution to help raise awareness. ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE The South African Medical Research Council recorded diabetes as the sixth highest cause of death in females, and tenth in males, in 2000.

Professor Andre Pascal Kengne, director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, said it was not improving.

“According to the International Diabetes Federation, about 2.6 million people had diabetes in South Africa last year. This number will increase to about 3.9 million by 2035,” he said.

“The growing diabetes figures in South Africa, just like in many other countries around the world, are driven by the environmental changes taking place with the westernisation of cultures. These include unhealthy eating habits and decreased physical activity, leading to obesity and overweight, and ultimately diabetes.”

NORMAL LIFE Businesswoman Maithri Maistry has been living with the disease for 25 years. “I was 29 years old when I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I developed an allergy on my hand and went to my general practitioner for a check up. A blood test revealed I was diabetic, and while it did not come as a surprise to me because my father also suffered with it, I was not prepared to let it rule my life.”

At 54, Maistry lives an active lifestyle operating her own beauty salon, and says her three grandchildren keep her on her toes.

“To cope with the disease, I started taking proper care of my body and exercised regularly while maintaining a vegetarian diet.”

She injects herself twice a day with insulin to keep her sugar levels balanced. “A positive attitude toward life and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to surviving,” Maistry said.

The 3rd annual Durban Global Diabetes 5km walk will take place on November 23. Last year 3 000 people supported the walk and had the opportunity to get tested, according to Diabetes SA.