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About 6% of the South African population – about 3.5 million people – have diabetes and another 5 million are said to have pre-diabetes, when blood glucose is above normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Most cases of pre-diabetes in South Africa are undiagnosed.
Diabetes is the second leading cause of death in the country, according to Statistics South Africa's latest report (2016) on mortality and causes of death.
The majority of diabetics have type 2 diabetes: the body becomes insulin resistant, resulting in a dangerously high blood sugar level. Type 2 diabetes is often caused by a lifestyle or genetic factors.
On average, it takes seven years to diagnose type 2 diabetes in a person because the symptoms can be mild and develop gradually. As a result, approximately 30% of people with type 2 diabetes will have developed complications at the time of diagnosis.
The complications of diabetes are serious and include heart disease, stroke, blindness, amputations and kidney failure. These complications can largely be avoided by early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Type 2 diabetes weighs heavily on the South African health system. Effective management of diabetes requires daily treatment, regular monitoring, healthy eating, lifestyle and continuing education.
The costs associated with diabetes are alarming. The illness generates direct costs, including hospitalization expenses, drug expenses and disability benefits, as well as indirect costs such as absenteeism from work, time spent in hospital To occupy sick parents and reduced productivity.
In South Africa, about 76% of diabetes-related deaths occur in people under 60 – the most active age group in the population. Health spending on adult diabetes in South Africa is expected to increase by 50% between 2010 and 2030.
Understanding diabetes
All South Africans can potentially be affected by diabetes and knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors is essential for early detection.
Diabetes is a condition that prevents the body from keeping its blood sugar levels within normal limits. The four most important factors in diabetes management are:
Healthy eating habits – no special products are required.
Regular exercise – workouts of 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week. People with heart problems or people who have not exercised for a long time should consult a doctor before starting an exercise program.
The use of medications / insulin injections, as prescribed by a health professional.
Regular tests of blood sugar.
It is important to be able to distinguish between the symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
General symptoms of hyperglycemia:
Unquenchable thirst.
Urinate more than usual.
Hunger, despite regular meals.
Weightloss
Feeling tired and apathetic
Blurred vision
Nausea and vomiting
A short time of attention and insufficient memory
Recurrent skin infections
Coma
Source: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch
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