IT’S A FACT – THE DIABETES WALK IS HEALTHY FOR ALL!

READY TO “WALK THE TALK” are Kini Shandu from Gagasi FM with Jenny Russell from Diabetes SA Durban office, Neville Pillay from Lotus FM and Fitness Specialist Lisa Raleigh. Picture: S&A Marketing

It will be a healthy start for locals leaving the Durban beachfront amphitheatre  on Sunday, October 28 at 8am for the annual Durban Global Diabetes 5km Walk supported by Pronutro in order to raise funds for this worthy cause.

In addition to the Walk, there will be a festive health expo which allows members of the public to receive free glucose and blood pressure tests, a complimentary Pronutro breakfast for the registered walkers and a host of exciting activities for all 

Lotus FM on air personality, Neville Pillay will also  be on hand entertaining the crowds and offering loads of lucky draws.

The organisers goal is to attract over 3000 walkers this year, that is why it’s important to register at uShaka Marine World in Arena 3 outside the new Kauai restaurant on Saturday, October 20th, Sunday, October 21st and Saturday, October 27th from 08h00 to 13h00. Diabetes SA personnel will be on duty to help with the registration process.

The first 500 paid entries into the Diabetes global walk will receive a free event Diabetes South Africa Global Walk T-shirt courtesy of Accu-Chek. Entry fee is just R40 per person with all proceeds going to this deserving cause.

Call Pat on 082 4995 222 or visit blogspot www.globaldiabetesrunwalkdurban.blogspot.com <http://www.globaldiabetesrunwalkdurban.blogspot.com>  to find out more about the walk.


Here are some important Diabetes facts!!

·         Diabetes is responsible for more deaths worldwide each year than HIV/Aids and Breast Cancer.

·         Diabetes affects 300 million people worldwide and is expected to affect 500 million by 2030

·         3.8 Million Deaths are linked directly to diabetes-related causes.

·         Every 8 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes.

·         Every 8 seconds 2 people develop diabetes.

·         Just under ∏ of all people with diabetes are aged between 40 and 59. More than 70% of them live in developing countries like South Africa.



Are some people more at risk than others of developing diabetes?



·         Yes, certain population groups are more at risk than others developing diabetes i.e. Indian and Asian (between 14 – 20%).

·         It’s important that every South African gets to know the Diabetes Risk Factors. You need to ask yourselves the following questions:

·         Am I over 35 years or older?

·         Am I overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle)?

·         Do I have high cholesterol?

·         Do I have high blood pressure or heart disease?

·         Am I from a high-risk group (in South Africa if you are of Indian/Asian descent you are at particular risk)?

·         Do I have a family history of diabetes?

·         Have I given birth to a baby that weighed over 4kg at birth, or have I had gestational diabetes during pregnancy?



More than 50% of people living with diabetes do not even know they have it. Why is this?



Type 2 diabetes in its early stages is often referred to as the silent killer. In the early stages of diabetes there are no symptoms at all.



Symptoms of Diabetes:

•               Unusual thirst

•               Frequent urination

•               Unusual weight loss

•               Extreme fatigue or lack of energy

•               Blurred vision

•               Frequent or recurring infections

•               Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, boils and itchy skin

•               Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet



“It’s important for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes to have certain support systems in place (their family and friends, doctors, nursing sisters, dieticians, DSA).



At Diabetes South Africa we inform, encourage and support all people who have diabetes and their families. We offer telephonic advice, support groups, quarterly Diabetes Focus magazine, children’s & family camps, patient workshops, seminars and Awareness events as well as distributing many different forms of literature and many more different support tools.



It’s important if you are diagnosed with diabetes to understand the condition fully, so you can take control your own health. One needs to “understand diabetes and take control.” says Jenny Russell, the Durban Branch Manager of Diabetes SA.



Information supplied by Diabetes SA www.diabetessa.co.za <http://www.diabetessa.co.za>