SIYABUSWA – November 14 marks World Diabetes Day, a global initiative to address the growing threat of diabetes.
The 2024 observance was commemorated under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, aligned with the theme the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, Sthembile Podiatrist, Diale Maphothoma Accounts(DMA), Unjani Clinic, South African National Blood Service and the community joined hands to commemorate the first annual Diabetes Day at Ga-Phaahla Community Hall.
The purpose of this awareness campaign was to effectively manage diabetes, by providing education and knowledge to control and treat diabetes at the right time, with testimonials from those affected by those living with the disease. It was also aimed at addressing the impacts of diabetes in our communities and also to assist people living with diabetes.
In South Africa, around 4.2 million people live with diabetes, most of these cases are type 2 diabetes which occurs when the body cannot regulate glucose leading to high blood sugar levels. Less common is 1 type diabetes which tends to affect younger people and occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. The exact prevalence figures can be challenging to pinpoint due to variations in reporting, regional differences and the relatively recent rise in diagnosis.
The Diabetes Summit report released earlier this year highlights major gaps in the way data around the number of people diagnosed with the condition are collected
In her keynote address, Dr Nomali Mtsweni urged the community and people living with diabetes to manage the conditions and stay healthy at all times.
“It’s important take care of yourself and to have regularly check ups, do not wait until you not feeling well,” said Dr Mtsweni.
Mmabanyana Bodiba (54) a teacher by profession from Siyabuswa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2020 and has been managing it.
“It took me a while to go get checked out because I would only go when I was sick and after I was diagnosed I went to public health facilities to start my treatment, and I can proudly say that it’s under control,” said Bodiba
Amongst those living with diabetes in SA, 84% have experienced mental challenges such as anxiety, depression or other emotional struggles directly related to the condition. Emotional toll of diabetes often leads to a phenomenon known as “diabetic burnout” that’s according to the IDF Survey.
