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Diabetes<h2 class="sectHeading">What is Diabetes? ​​​​​​​</h2><p>Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body is unable to use the glucose, or sugar, it receives from the food you eat. It is often caused by poor eating habits and too little exercise.</p><p>There are two main types of Diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Type 1 Diabetes</h2><p>In Type One Diabetes the body stops producing insulin. It usually develops in young people under 30 years of age and is treated by taking regular insulin injections to bring blood sugar levels into the normal range. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Type 2 Diabetes</h2><p>This is the more common type of Diabetes and is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle such as poor eating habits and lack of exercise resulting on overweight and obesity. It is initially treated with medication and requires a long term change in diet and exercise. Controlling cholesterol and blood pressure are also important components of treatment.</p><h4>Who is at risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes?</h4><p>Type 2 Diabetes can occur in anyone, but the main risk groups are men and women who are over the age of forty, overweight or obese and who do little or no regular exercise. People who have high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol are also more at risk of Type 2 Diabetes.</p><p> <strong>What are the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?</strong></p><ul><li>An unusual thirst</li><li>Frequent urination</li><li>Unusual weight loss<br></li><li>Extreme fatigue or lack of energy</li><li>Blurred vision</li><li>Frequent or recurring infections</li><li>Tingling and numbness in the hands or feet.</li></ul><p>Some people will have no symptoms at all and the disease is discovered as a result of a blood test.</p><p>If left untreated or not well managed, Diabetes can lead to serious complications. This is because, the high levels of blood glucose associated with diabetes can slowly damage the nerves and blood vessels in the body, which can cause the following: </p><ul><li>Gangrene in the feet</li><li>Heart disease</li><li>Impotence</li><li>Kidney disease and kidney failure</li><li>Loss of sensation (pins and needles) caused by nerve damage, especially in the feet and legs</li><li>Problems with blood circulation</li><li>Reduced vision and in some cases, blindness</li><li>Stroke</li><li>Ulcers and infections</li></ul><h4>Treating Type 2 diabetes</h4><p>The three main categories of treatment are healthy eating, exercise and medication. Medication is used in addition to healthy eating and exercise, never in place of them. Healthy eating and exercise is the best treatment. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Coping with Diabetes</h2><p>If managed well, Diabetes is not life threatening and will not stop you from doing things that you enjoy. If you, or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with Diabetes, make sure you learn as much as you can about the conditions. </p><p>Diabetes SA run Diabetes management courses and support group meetings in different areas of the city.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact details<br></h2><p>For more information, contact your nearest <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities">clinic or healthcare facility</a> or call <a href="https://www.diabetessa.org.za/">Diabetes SA<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>:</p><h4>National Office </h4><p> <em>Telephone:<br><a>086 111 3913</a> / <a>021 425 4440</a><br><br> Email: <br> <a href="mailto:national@diabetessa.org.za">national@diabetessa.org.za</a></em></p>GP0|#060eb2ed-d484-4e3e-920e-d32e31b39398;L0|#0060eb2ed-d484-4e3e-920e-d32e31b39398|Diabetes;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#d65ab879-2884-426b-a380-7b8f9433c812;GPP|#090e430c-3809-42d5-a80b-caea93b2beaf;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711Find out about Diabetes and learn how to prevent and treat the condition.

 

 

Diabetes Information Booklet363309GP0|#5702b03d-251a-4a3f-8243-b5b3f7bb764a;L0|#05702b03d-251a-4a3f-8243-b5b3f7bb764a|Booklet;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2018-01-01T10:00:00Z

 

 

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