Durban - Diabetes South Africa staff visited Independent Media in Durban this week to conduct tests and spread the word about tackling the illness.
The visit was timed to coincide with National Diabetes Education Week, and with about 1 million people infected with the disease in KwaZulu-Natal, the message is a timely one.
Diabetes South Africa, a support and advocacy group, has urged people to take steps to prevent diabetes by joining its global walk and wellness expo. The Durban event will take place at the Amphitheatre at the Bay of Plenty on Sunday, Novemeber 13.
Diabetes SA branch manager Jenny Russell said the disease was the second biggest cause of death in the eThekwini region, according to Statistics SA figures.
“We are here to educate people about living a healthy lifestyle so that they do not become one of these terrible statistics.
“Diabetes is a very serious condition that must be carefully managed because it may lead to heart-attack, amputation, blindness, kidney failure, stroke and erectile problems in men.”
Russell said people became diabetic because they followed an incorrect diet or neglected to exercise.
“Too many people indulge in take-aways instead of cooking good, healthy meals at home.”
The global walk and wellness expo takes place the day before World Diabetes Day, when millions of people around the world come together to raise awareness about diabetes and what it means to live with it.
Pre-register for the walk at uShaka Marine World arena 3 tomorrow and on Sunday, noon to 3pm.