In the wake of World Diabetes Day, the City of Cape Town has announced that it is running pilot programmes at several clinics in an effort to increase the capacity and improve the level of diabetes care being provided.
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The City has noted a 16% increase in people over 40 who visit health facilities for diabetes screening. Between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years, this age group increased from 69 912 to 81 217.
Conversely, the number of people in the 18 to 39 age bracket decreased from 148 520 to 130 395.
The diagnosis of diabetes across the two groups dropped by 12%.
To encourage residents to ensure that they don’t become a statistic, the City of Cape Town has embraced the national targets and strategy for preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases.
These include:
- That 90% of people older than 18 will know whether or not they have raised blood sugar or blood pressure,
- That 60% of people older than 18 who have raised blood sugar or blood pressure will be on treatment, and
- That 50% of people older than 18 who are on treatment for raised blood sugar or blood pressure will be controlled.
‘These targets make it clear that all adults need to be alert to the risk of diseases like hypertension and diabetes. In recent years, it’s become apparent that more young people are being affected, so the notion that these are illnesses for older persons has been comprehensively squashed,’ says Mayco member for community services and health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
‘And, while City clinics have seen a gradual increase in screening for diabetes among younger age groups, there was a dip in the last financial year – one that we can ill afford. So I appeal to our under-40s to get in line once more. The earlier a health condition is detected, the sooner you can start treatment and make the required lifestyle changes to improve your health outlook.’
The City of Cape Town is offering a free fingerprick blood sugar test as well as a urinary dipstick at all City Health Community Day Centres. Results are available on the same day.
A fasting blood sugar test can also be organised for confirmation if needed. If you screen positive for diabetes, you will also be screened for associated conditions, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors.
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The City reiterates that it is important to get tested, as uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes can cause serious complications, such as:
- Visual problems, including blindness;
- Kidney disease;
- Cardiovascular disease;
- Cerebrovascular disease;
- Non-healing foot ulcers often end in amputation;
- Death.
Common symptoms to look out for include:
- Unusual fatigue,
- Increased thirst,
- Increased urination,
- Blurred vision,
- Pins and needles or altered sensation hands and feet,
- Recurrent opportunistic infections, and
- Delayed healing for small wounds or cuts
For more information, visit your nearest clinic. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest City library for free access to resources such as books and SmartCape WiFi.
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Also read:
Groote Schuur Hospital introduces a state-of-the-art Diabetes Centre
Picture: Matt C / Unsplash