About three million South African have diabetes and an estimated three million people living with diabetes remain undiagnosed, the International Diabetes Foundation said on Monday.
The foundation said recently released figures also show that diabetes currently affects 246-million people globally and is expected to affect 380-million people by 2025.
Dr Tanusha Ramaloo, head of clinical marketing at Roche Diagnostics, said diabetes is still a misunderstood and feared condition, not just in South Africa, but also around the world.
”Diabetes is a serious chronic disease. The reality is that diabetes is the fourth-leading cause of death globally … every year it kills about 3,8-million people around the world and does not discriminate, affecting old and young, rich and poor, male and female,” she said.
The disease can be successfully managed through lifestyle changes and medication, Ramaloo said.
Up to 80% of type-two diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.
Exercise is very important in controlling blood-sugar levels and decreasing the risk of diabetes complications. This could strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels, all of which are important factors in diabetes management.
Nineteen cyclists living with diabetes between the ages of 18 and 60 will be sponsored by Roche Accu-Chek to participate in the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge on Sunday in Johannesburg.
Ramaloo said this is to highlight the fact that correct diet, coupled with effective management and monitoring of a patient’s blood glucose level, can ensure that people lead full and normal lives and are able to participate easily in strenuous sporting events.
November 14 is United Nations World Diabetes Day, and South Africa has dedicated November to increase awareness of diabetes and educate people on how to identify and manage the disease. — Sapa