As World Diabetes Day took centre stage this week, the City of Cape Town is turning the spotlight onto a growing concern; more young people across the metro are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
It comes after clinics reported a clear upward trend, one that city health officials believe can be slowed with simple daily changes, as per EWN.
The City notes that diabetes can lead to complications that affect the heart, kidneys, and eyesight if left unmanaged.
Speaking to the urgency of the situation, Francine Higham, who is the City’s mayoral committee member for community services and health, stressed that healthier living starts early.
‘Healthy food choices and regular physical activity can greatly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. You’re not too young to start making better choices for your health,’ Higham stated.
The City is encouraging residents, especially teens and young adults, to make small but consistent changes that can help reduce their diabetes risk.
In a friendly but firm message, officials outlined habits such as replacing sugary drinks with water, eating more fibre and fruit, and making physical activity part of your daily life.
The City’s guidance is built on a straightforward principle; prevention is easier than treatment. And with local clinics seeing more young faces in their diabetes rooms, the message is becoming more essential than ever.
City health teams say that while diabetes remains manageable, early awareness is crucial, as Higham highlighted that the decisions young people make today can shape their long-term well-being.
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