Thulasizwe Lembede, Lerato Sedulawesi & Sifiso Dlamini

In commemoration of World Diabetes Day, the Gauteng public health facilities used the opportunity to empower staff, patients and visitors about the management and treatment of diabetes.
The day which is celebrated globally on 14 November focusses on increasing awareness on the prevention, effects, complications and management of diabetes in the general population. 
Diabetes is a condition in which a person has high blood glucose levels (blood sugar), due to the body's impaired ability to respond or produce the hormone insulin. 
At the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, health workers shared information and encouraged those with two or more symptoms to test and know their health status. 
Sister Sarah Makama said: "Diabetes is a silent-killer which requires medical attention as early as possible in order to control and overcome it. A healthy lifestyle is adequate to control blood sugar levels." 
Diabetes symptoms comprises of constant urination often at night, sudden loss of weight, blurry vision, tiredness, dry skin, numb or tingling hands or feet and thirstiness. 
"Untreated diabetes can give COVID-19 strength against the immune system in your body. People at high risk for diabetes are are 45 years of age or older, overweight or obese, have high blood and a family history of diabetes, added Makama.
People with diabetes are encouraged to follow this diet: 
 
Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, greens, peppers, and tomatoes.
Fruits: oranges, melon, berries, apples, bananas, and grapes.
Grains: at least half of your grains for the day should be whole grains.
Protein.
Dairy- non-fat or low fat.

At Sebokeng Hospital, the campaign included talks, sharing of pamphlets as well as screening and testing for blood pressure and blood glucose, as well as Body Mass Index (BMI) for patients, staff and visitors.

Dietician, Abigail Maluleke said: "As dieticians, we play a great role in the nutritional management of Diabetes by educating people with Diabetes on healthy eating and create awareness on the symptoms, risk factors and available treatment options."
Further afield, the  Helen Joseph Hospital commemorated the day by educating people on the disease where dietician Sibongile Mangena reflected on some tips to manage diabetes.
"Being diagnosed with or living with diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming and it is normal. Fortunately, with the right information, a well-developed care plan and an optimistic attitude, diabetes can be managed with ease.  
"Because diabetes is a chronic condition, caring for yourself is equally important as the treatment you receive from your doctor and healthcare professionals, I am 
encouraging patients to take responsibility for their health.  As a patient, you need to make responsible choices including monitoring what you eat, Exercising and taking your blood sugar to make sure it stays within acceptable levels as it is an important factor in reducing your risk of serous diabetes related complications", concluded Mangena. .