Diabetes mellitus is a chronic debilitating disease that, according to our statistics, is increasing and is thus becoming a burden in the provision of health services. Between 80% and 90% of diabetes sufferers are Type 2 Diabetics.
Urbanisation and unhealthy lifestyles are the main contributors to the rising prevalence of the disease. Early detection and effective management of diabetes will lead to a longer life and better quality of life. Health education, screening and counselling in relation to diabetes at health-care facilities and within communities will empower community members. It will help them recognise the signs and symptoms of diabetes and encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Patients need skills and information about the condition so they are in a position to manage it better and reduce early deaths.
Patients diagnosed with diabetes need to be monitored to ensure that the need for adherence and self management to prevent complications are well understood.
Patients with diabetes need to be seen /reviewed by a doctor every six months, have their eyes checked by an optometrist annually, their teeth checked by a dentist and their feet checked by a doctor or podiatrist regularly.
World Diabetes Day has been commemorated on 14 November every year since 1991.
* Mrs. Hewana, Manager, Chronic conditions, District Health Office, Grahamstown.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic debilitating disease that, according to our statistics, is increasing and is thus becoming a burden in the provision of health services. Between 80% and 90% of diabetes sufferers are Type 2 Diabetics.
Urbanisation and unhealthy lifestyles are the main contributors to the rising prevalence of the disease. Early detection and effective management of diabetes will lead to a longer life and better quality of life. Health education, screening and counselling in relation to diabetes at health-care facilities and within communities will empower community members. It will help them recognise the signs and symptoms of diabetes and encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Patients need skills and information about the condition so they are in a position to manage it better and reduce early deaths.
Patients diagnosed with diabetes need to be monitored to ensure that the need for adherence and self management to prevent complications are well understood.
Patients with diabetes need to be seen /reviewed by a doctor every six months, have their eyes checked by an optometrist annually, their teeth checked by a dentist and their feet checked by a doctor or podiatrist regularly.
World Diabetes Day has been commemorated on 14 November every year since 1991.
* Mrs. Hewana, Manager, Chronic conditions, District Health Office, Grahamstown.
