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Joan Akob, a community dietitian at Bertha Gxowa Hospital, was behind the launch of the hospital's first diabetes support group.
Launched in March, the support group held its end – of – year party on November 14, just as the world was watching World Diabetes Day.
"After a few months of working at the hospital, I realized that the majority of outpatients we saw were diabetic patients," Joan said.
"I approached the head dietitian and asked if we could create a support group. This might help to minimize the number of patients we saw individually, and patients could be encouraged in a group. "
Joan Akob, community health dietitian at Bertha Gxowa Hospital, set up a diabetes support group at the hospital in March and hopes that will not be alleviated when she leaves the hospital. Hospital next year.
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Since March, the group has held meetings twice a month, on the first and last Friday of the month, and has nearly 50 members.
The hospital is populated by three types of diabetic patients, type one, type two, and those with gestational diabetes.
"Type 1 diabetes is a bit random, it can be found in children and the elderly and it affects all bades," said Joan.
"There is no known cause, it develops when your body contains little or no insulin, because the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin.
"You find that many type 1 diabetics use insulin injections and that the condition is diagnosed at an early stage.
"Type 2 diabetes typically affects overweight seniors.
"It is mainly caused by a prolonged and unhealthy lifestyle, which means that the body's insulin reacts less well to glucose.
"Gestational diabetes is usually found in pregnant women, mainly because of weight gain."
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According to Joan, fatigue, a dry throat, constant thirst, a feeling of weakness or dizziness, a burning sensation or constant itching on the skin and blurred vision are some of the warning signs identified in the report. type 1 diabetes.
"Type 1 diabetics sometimes struggle to be underweight and sometimes get supplemented to balance their weight," said Joan.
The same symptoms, including being overweight, help to highlight type 2 diabetes in patients.
Joan, who has a diabetic grandmother and lost an uncle, said that awareness of the disease had become a personal interest as she knew perfectly well the dangers of an unbalanced diabetic lifestyle.
"I always tell my patients to consult a dietitian and a nutritionist if they are diagnosed with diabetes so they can have a healthy diet," she said.
"Diabetes is a condition of life, you must change your lifestyle.
"With the right incentives and a change of diet badociated with your medications, you will have control."
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Also pbadionate about caring for orphans, Joan based her thesis on the study of people in charge of children and dietary diversity in children's homes.
In which she found that foods rich in vitamin A and iron were rarely served compared to popular foods rich in starch and oil.
"This type of diet can lead to complications in the older years.
"That's why I encourage people to adopt a diabetic lifestyle. Even if you are not diagnosed with diabetes, adopting a diabetic lifestyle could help balance your system.
"It can help you lose weight and maintain your blood glucose and blood pressure," she said.
According to Joan, members of her support group reported that they had gained confidence since they had taken control of their illness, maintained their blood sugar levels and that their diet had increased their energy level, proving that the support group had been helpful.
"Change your mentality and adopt a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. The adoption of a diet for diabetics only has positive aspects, "she said.
Info box:
Diabetic diet
• Diabetes does not only affect the management of your sugar, but also your consumption of processed carbohydrates.
• Do not forget that processed starches cause a much faster increase in blood glucose than fiber-rich starches.
• Always choose fiber-rich starches and portion sizes should only be one quarter of your plate.
• The main foods in your plate should be vegetables because they also contain a lot of fiber.
• Pay attention to sweet vegetables, such as carrots and butternut, for portions containing only one tablespoon or two but not half a plate.
• Avoid processed meats because they are high in fat and salt and are not good for blood glucose.
• Choose lean or fresh meat options.
• Regarding soft drinks, you can have sugar-free products, but Joan suggests diluting them with water or just avoiding them if you're not too sure about the brand.
• Drink more water, four to six glbades a day.
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