18 Nov 2024

Dr Bernard Morapedi from Doctors Inn Health Centre emphasised the need for communities to educate themselves about diabetes and its implications.

This knowledge, he said was essential to effectively support individuals living with the condition and to help them manage their health.

“Living with diabetes can be incredibly challenging and can evoke a range of emotions. A strong support system is vital for motivating patients to take responsibility for their own lives,”Dr Morapedi said.

Speaking during World Diabetes Day, which focused on the theme: Diabetes and Well-Being,  Dr Morapedi highlighted the daily struggles faced by diabetic patients.

“Some patients are overwhelmed as daily diabetes care involves a lot to handle, from checking sugar levels to maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Your support can make a significant difference at home, work, or within the community,” he stressed.

Moreover, Dr Morapedi underscored the importance of regular appointments with healthcare practitioners to manage potential complications.

He pointed out that the incidence of diabetes in the North West region was on the rise, indicating an urgent need for increased awareness and community involvement in diabetes management.

Dr Morapedi said that 3 240 patients were registered last year compared to 2 560 recorded in 2022 and 1 885 in 2021. The most affected group, he said was those aged between 20 and 79 years, and also explained that diabetes was among the top 10 causes of death in the country. 

Statistics has shown that about one in 10 adults globally have diabetes and close to half were unaware that they were living with the condition, Dr Morapedi said and stressed the need for early testing so that people could start treatment which he said was critical for survival. Over 90 per cent of people, Dr Morapedi said were type two diabetes and were advised to change their lifestyle and do some exercises to live longer. 

Key factors contributing to type two diabetes include being overweight, insufficient exercise, and a diet high in fast food, sugary, oily, and salty foods.

Additionally, he mentioned that the long-term effects of diabetes could include damage to both large and small blood vessels, potentially leading to heart attacks and strokes, as well as kidney problems.

Some individuals, he noted, might develop chronic wounds that were slow to heal or do not heal at all.

He emphasised that diabetes affects not only physical health but also mental well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, manage stress, and make decisions.

Mental health issues, he stated, could make it more challenging for patients to adhere to their diabetes care plans. 

He encouraged patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to develop the habit of checking their urine at least once a year.

Family physician Dr Phenyoyaone Moloko from Matshwane Clinic added that excessive alcohol consumption and smoking were additional risk factors for diabetes.

He identified other symptoms of diabetes, including increased urination, weight loss, constant thirst, blurred vision, and increased hunger.

Walking or jogging, he suggested, could help guard against various chronic diseases and reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes.

Outlining the day’s objectives, Dr Yaone Bogatsu, a family physician from the University of Botswana, stated that they aimed to raise awareness about diabetes, empowering community members to make informed choices and modify their lifestyles.

He cautioned that diabetes can be life-threatening as it significantly alters individuals’ lives, and he urged the public to regularly undergo screening, as early detection enables timely diagnosis and treatment. Ends