Raising awareness to prevent diabetes
The World Health Organization has released ways to prevent diabetes, which continues to kill millions of people around the world.
'It's estimated that more than 6.7-million people die from diabetes every year and it's one of the top 10 causes of death globally,' states the World Economic Forum.
Locally, diabetes is the second leading cause of death in South Africa after tuberculosis, according to a Wits University report.
The university also states that one in nine South African adults have diabetes, totalling around 4.2-million individuals.
Since 1990, the number of people affected by diabetes has been increasing.
The number rose from 200-million in 1990 to 830-million in 2022, states the World Health Organization.
READ: 50% of people with diabetes are currently undiagnosed
World Diabetes Day
November 11 marks World Diabetes Day. The day aims to raise awareness about the chronic disease that continues to affect millions of people worldwide.
People who suffer from diabetes might experience the following symptoms:
- Increased hunger
- Increased thirst
- Weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- Extreme fatigue
- Sores that don’t heal
- A decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Poor muscle strength
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary tract infections
- Yeast infections
- Dry, itchy skin
READ: 50% of people with diabetes are currently undiagnosed
Diabetes is caused by several factors, depending on the type of diabetes one suffers from. However, there are several things that one can do which can reduce the chances of suffering from it. Below are some of the recommendations from WHO.
Lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
- reach and keep a health body weight
- stay physically active with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week
- eat a healthy diet and avoid sugar and saturated fat
- not smoke tobacco.
READ: Diabetes continues to top list of silent killers in SA
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Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.