The statistics of people diagnosed with sugar diabetes in the North West District have been on an upward trajectory over the years, Doctors Inn Private Hospital’s physician Dr Bernard Morapedi has revealed.
Speaking during the World Diabetes Day held in Maun recently, Morapedi, who is also a health columnist in this publication revealed that in 2021, 1885 people were diagnosed with diabetes, and in 2022 there were 2560 patients while in 2023 the numbers further increased to 3240.
He said diabetes is one of the top 10-death causing diseases in the world adding that almost half of those living with the disease are not aware of it with over 90% of them having type 2 diabetes.
According to Morapedi, diabetic patients face many challenges that include mental health issues. He revealed that up to 36% of patients deal with mental health issues while up to 60% of them worry about the complications that come with the disease.
A family physician at Matshwane Diabetic Clinic, Dr Phenyoyaone Moloko explained that symptoms of diabetes include feeling very thirsty, needing to urinate more often than usual, blurred vision, feeling tired and losing weight unintentionally.
According to him, ‘Type 1’ diabetes which is usually found in the youth is not preventable. He explained that it is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks itself and stops the body from making insulin.
“Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults and can often be prevented with a healthy lifestyle such as keeping a healthy body weight, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet and quitting tobacco,” Moloko added.
He further stated that some of the complications faced by diabetic patients include getting a heart attack, kidney complications, stroke, rashes or sores that can lead to amputations.
Meanwhile, giving a testimony about her journey living with diabetes, Gontse Osowe said it has not been an easy one as she has faced so many challenges including the acceptance of her condition and having to inject herself with medication every day. She however noted that avoiding stress and taking her medication well will make life easier. “Being true to oneself and those that live with you helps them to accept and not stigmatise you.”
The commemoration was held under the theme ‘Diabetes and Well-Being’ which emphasises that everyone has equal opportunity to live well only when they have access to diabetic care and support. The day is commemorated every year on the 14th of November as the primary global awareness campaign focusing on Diabetes.
