In South Africa, seven per cent of adults aged 21 to 79 (3.85 million people) have diabetes, however, a large proportion of these remain undiagnosed.<\/p>\n
Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.<\/p>
Stringent glucose control has reduced some small-vessel complications such as blindness and kidney failure, however, the residual risk of large-vessel complications such as heart attacks and stroke remains high.<\/p>\n
Tips to help reduce your risk:<\/strong><\/p> \u2022 Excessive body fat:<\/p>\n \u201cExcessive weight is a big risk factor for diabetes, and interestingly every kilogram of weight lost is said to reduce the risk by 16 per cent,\u201d said Renny Letswalo, managing director of Cambridge Weight Plan.<\/p>\n \u201cWeight loss is a common recommendation for treatment for Type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n \u201cMany people are overweight when they\u2019re first diagnosed, and that extra fat is the cause of their insulin resistance.\u201d<\/p>\n They have stored too much glycogen in their body, and with their liver surrounded by fat, they\u2019re unable to use excessive glycogen.<\/p>\n Their number one action is to reduce the fat content in their body.<\/p>\n \u2022 Plant-based, low-calorie diet:<\/p>\n Choose to eat a variety of vegetables, as research shows this reduces diabetes risk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Metro expands access to healthcare by extending operating hours for 29 clinics<\/a><\/p>\n Wise-up and know what health services are offered at your clinic<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Avoid foods rich in Trans and saturated fat and sugar.<\/p>\n \u201cElimination of sugar and flour is strongly recommended.<\/p>\n \u201cDiabetes Type 2 people should not be consuming refined carbohydrates at all, to avoid their glucose spike,\u201d said Letswalo.<\/p>\n \u2022 Drink lots of water:<\/p>\n \u201cFizzy and sugary drinks have been linked with obesity and diabetes, instead drink water to reduce your risk,\u201d said Letswalo.<\/p>\n \u2022 Exercise:<\/p>\n Not exercising increases your chances of diabetes. Even a simple brisk walk can do the trick.<\/p>\n \u2022 Less stress:<\/p>\n When you are stressed your body releases several hormones that increase blood sugar.<\/p>\n \u201cChoose to meditate regularly to improve your ability to cope with stress or make time to do things you enjoy,\u201d said Letswalo.<\/p>\n \u2022 Rest:<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t get enough sleep or enough good quality sleep then your risk for diabetes and obesity increase.<\/p>\n Seek help if you are experiencing sleep problems.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang 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\u00a0<\/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