As part of the World Diabetes Day, PHISA FOUNDATION conducted a multi-stakeholder Diabetes Event in Chesterville, in the eThekwini municipality.
South Africa has seen a rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes. Prevalence has almost tripled from 4.5% in 2010 to 12.7% in 2019. It was estimated that of the 4.58 million people between 20 and 79 years old with diabetes in South Africa in 2019, 54.5% were undiagnosed (International Diabetes Federation. SA Diabetes report 2010 -2045; 2020). According to the Diabetes Federation, the total number of people living with diabetes in the world is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030.
The purpose of the Diabetes Awareness event was to create awareness about diabetes, to identify new cases, to educate patients and the public about useful healthy lifestyles necessary for the prevention and control of the disease.
Awareness about complications of diabetes, especially in patients with comorbidities will be strengthened in efforts to reduce diabetes-related mortality for diagnosed patients.
Current challenges in the treatment and management of diabetes were addressed by experts and representatives of various service providers. The participants were screened for other health needs such as HIV, hypertension, cervical cancer, etc. Proper linkages and follow-up program were put in place to ensure that persons requiring medical care had access to care.
