Diabetes has been recorded as the second most common cause of natural death among South Africans by the Mortality and Causes of Death in South Africa report released by Stats SA in March, this year.<\/p>\n
It claimed 25 255 deaths during the period 2014 to 2016, constituting 5.5 per cent of all deaths (natural and non-natural deaths amounted to 456 612) during that period.<\/p>
Ekurhuleni health practitioners have also observed a prevalence of type 2 diabetes patients at the metro\u2019s healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n
Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle choices and genetics.<\/p>
As the world observed World Diabetes Day on November 14, the metro urged residents, young and old, to be mindful of the early warning signs of diabetes.<\/p>\n
The metro\u2019s manager for non-communicable diseases, Angie Ndhambi, noted that the rise in diabetes, particularly type 2 which is largely preventable, can be halted if people knew the warning signs and risk factors so they can start leading a healthier and more active lifestyle.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Metro uses ambient air quality stations to detect polluters<\/a><\/p>\n Residents urged to save water as heatwave continues in Ekurhuleni<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Early diagnosis and treatment are key to the prevention of complications and to achieve good health for those who are affected.<\/p>\n The statistics as indicated in the Mortality and Causes of Deaths 2016 report illustrate the devastating consequences of diabetes if not treated and managed appropriately, and earlier.<\/p>\n Families and friends are urged to be more cognisant of the diabetes warning signs, which include:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Blurred vision.<\/p>\n \u2022 Excessive thirst.<\/p>\n \u2022 Frequent urination.<\/p>\n \u2022 Lack of energy.<\/p>\n \u2022 Numbness in the feet and\/or hands.<\/p>\n \u2022 Slow healing wounds.<\/p>\n Those experiencing any of these symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention by visiting any of Ekurhuleni\u2019s primary healthcare facilities for health screening.<\/p>\n While regular exercise and keeping low sugar levels in your diet is highly recommended, communities are also advised to follow the diabetic portion plate to prevent related ailments:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Half the plate should consist of fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n \u2022 One quarter of the plate should be one\u2019s choice of protein.<\/p>\n \u2022 The other quarter should be any starch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n