18-11-2014: City of Joburg commemmorates world diabetes month
As part of the City of Johannesburg’s World Diabetes Month commemoration, the City will host an awareness event on Thursday, 20 November 2014 at Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park Ext 5, targeting 1000 people across all the regions of the City of Johannesburg.
The World Diabetes Month 2014 campaign marks the first of a three-year (2014-16) focus on “healthy living and diabetes”. This year's activities and materials will specifically address the topic of healthy eating and its importance both in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and the effective management of diabetes to avoid complications.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that arises when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that enables cells to take up glucose from blood and use it for energy.
As a build-up towards the World Diabetes Day, the City of Johannesburg has been conducting health education on diabetes, screening for diabetes (checking blood sugar levels), blood pressure, cholesterol, weight check, and eye screening in all seven regions of the city.
“We want to create an awareness of healthy living through educating the City’s residents on the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. You can prevent and control diabetes if you exercise and eat healthy”, says Clr Nonceba Molwele, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development in the City of Joburg.
Constant thirst, weight loss, frequent urination and fatigue are warning signs of diabetes. Blurred vision, slow-to-heal cuts, tingling sensation or numbness in the hands and feet, and recurring skin, mouth and bladder infections could all be signs that you have diabetes.
Foods that have a high sugar or fat content, such as pastries, cakes, chocolates, chips, sweets and desserts should be avoided or taken occasionally in limited amounts. Low-fat dairy products, lean meat, whole-wheat grains, fruit and vegetables, starches and low-fat dairy products are recommended.
Go for a simple urine and blood tests at your local clinic or doctor. This will indicate if you have diabetes and require additional examination and treatment. Some people will require to take pills or insulin injections to control their diabetes. Many individuals living with diabetes can control their condition/disease by eating well balanced diet in correct amounts and doing regular exercise.
For more information please contact:
Nkosinathi Nkabinde
Communication Specialist
City of Johannesburg Group Communication & Tourism Department
Tel: (011) 407 - 6477
Cell: 083 408 7787
