#KnowYourDiabetesNumber
3 in 5 people with diabetes in South Africa are undiagnosed. And diabetes kills more people than TB, HIV and malaria combined. It is also the leading cause of death in South African women. This National Diabetes Month, know your diabetes number.
Could you have diabetes?
Risk factors:
- Overweight or obese: Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25, especially excess fat around your ‘tummy’
Plus one or more of these factors:
- Family history of diabetes
- High-risk ethnic group (Asian, Indian, Coloured)
- Physical inactivity
- High blood pressure (over 140/90 mmHg) or cholesterol problems
- Cardiovascular (heart) disease history
- Diabetes during pregnancy or a baby over 4kg
All adults over 45 years old should have an annual diabetes screening.
South African National Department of Health
If you’re at risk, get screened this National Diabetes Month, and you can start taking steps to a healthy future. Free screening is available at all public clinics and participating pharmacies across SA.
What to do if you’re at risk:
- Get screened
- Make healthy food choices
- Get active
- If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, take your medication as your doctor says.
National Diabetes Month in SA
The more we can talk about diabetes, the more we can share the message that it is possible to live a healthy, happy life with diabetes. But only if you #KnowYourDiabetesNumber – only if you get your blood sugar checked if you are at risk.
This National Diabetes Month, please share this message with your friends and family, and join South Africa’s largest online diabetes community – Diabetic South Africans on Facebook – to connect with other people living with diabetes.
Find out more about diabetes:
Our Just Diagnosed section has all the information you need to live a healthy life with diabetes.
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