Diabetes is also known as the silent killer and affects millions of people worldwide.
Diabetes is a growing concern with the fastest growth rates in developing countries. A 100 years after the discovery of penicillin and a staggering 5% of the world’s population suffers from diabetes and has no access to penicillin.
The number of affected people is expected to grow to more than double in the next 20 years and needs to be addressed urgently. The numbers have risen faster in low-income and middle-income countries, and therefore created the need for raising awareness.
Diabetes is a diet-related disease that occurs most frequently in overweight and obese persons. Staying active, eating a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco use can reduce your chances of being diagnosed with diabetes.
Diabetes is the major cause of kidney failure, blindness, heart attacks, strokes and lower limb amputations. Diabetes can be treated and your chances of contracting the disease can be reduced or delayed by regular screening tests and treatments.
World diabetes day was initiated in 2007 to highlight the importance of initialising awareness campaigns to highlight the urgent need for better human health.
Access to diabetes care.
The prevalent theme for diabetes day 2021 – 2023 is access to diabetes care. Millions of people do not have access to diabetes care. The United Nations implemented resolution 61/225 designating 14 November as world diabetes awareness day in support of the worldwide diabetes community to affect meaningful change.
Meaningful change starts with improving the access to treatment which is a big challenge, everyone should take on.
Prevention and Cure.
Diabetes is classified into 2 classes, referred to as type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Currently, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Effective prevention measures for Type 2 do currently exist.
Preventative measures must be implemented on a national scale and across the board in schools, homes and workplaces. Preventative measures include regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure and lipids.
Lipids are a broad group of naturally occurring molecules that include, fats, sterols, and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E & K and monoglycerides, diglycerides and others.
Early diagnosis of diabetes is the key factor when it comes to living with diabetes, the longer a person lives with un-diagnosed diabetes and treatment, the more dangerous the effects will become. For this reason, it is clearly crucial to make sure everyone has easy access to regular blood glucose tests and professional assessments.
Diabetes in South Africa.
About 50% of people with diabetes om South Africa do not know they have diabetes, and to further complicate the matter, the Government cannot affords to treat all people with diabetes.
Those are the two big reasons that people should support diabetes organizations to grow support and provide care for people with diabetes across South Africa. Here are some places you can visit and offer support.
DSA – Diabetes South Africa.
Diabetes South Africa is a registered non-profit organization that was established in 1969, that aims to provide support and empower those suffering from diabetes through information, support and education.
To learn more about diabetes in South Africa and get support visit their website https://www.diabetessa.org.za
Diabetes Alliance.
The Diabetes Alliance is a non-profit organisation committed to improving the health and wellness of people living with diabetes in South Africa. They do this by creating conditions for new ways that government, philanthropic foundations, civil society, business, academic institutions, health professionals and people living with diabetes can work together in improving access to treatment and care.
Visit Diabetes Alliance South Africa at https://www.diabetesalliance.org.za/ to learn more and offer your support.
Prevention is better than cure.
Prevention will in all cases be better than cure, always. With a staggeringly large number of people in South Africa, adults and kids, that have no access to diabetes treatments or even tests, is good enough reason for everyone to join in and offer support. Diabetes is one of many diseases La Gratitude deals with on a daily basis.
La Gratitude is fully equipped and comprises a dedicated team to support and treat the elderly suffering from diabetes. Click here to learn more bout the care offered by us.
You can make a difference
With your assistance, the volunteers at La Gratitude will be able to take better care of not only the residents at the old age home but also the greater Newcastle community. La Gratitude is constantly involved in outreach projects to help the elderly in need in and around Newcastle.
Your donations will be greatly beneficial in the provision of food and other basic necessities for the less fortunate elderly people that require assistance.
Donating is easy, click here to donate now.