Publications
Partners
“Persons living with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels closely.”
These were the words of Table View Lions president Rocky Wright at their free monthly diabetes screening event.
While TygerBurger took a few photos at the screening which was held at the West Coast Village in Sunningdale on Thursday 29 September, many shoppers made their way to the Table View Lions screening station to test their blood sugar levels.
Wright says there is not enough awareness around diabetes and they are doing their part to spread the word. He is inviting the public to spread awareness and have their blood sugar levels tested.
“We are here every last Thursday of the month from 09:00 to 13:00,” Wright says.
Sally Daniels, a 66-year-old pensioner, had her blood sugar levels tested by nurse Natasha Daniels. With a reading as high as 9,11, Natasha advised Sally to eat healthier and exercise.
Joy Steenkamp, a pharmacist at Medipost Pharmacy, says it is estimated that one in 10 South Africans are diabetic, although many remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated.
“Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how your body breaks down sugar from the food that you eat. While type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood, type 2 diabetes develops over time and is more often diagnosed in adulthood,” says Steenkamp.
The ‘sweet’ spot
“Sometimes patients learn to recognise the symptoms when their blood sugar is high, which is known as hyperglycaemia, or too low, known as hypoglycaemia, however there are several ways to accurately test and this should become part of your daily life to manage diabetes,” Steenkamp advises.
The treating healthcare practitioner will recommend specific target blood glucose levels for persons living with diabetes according to an individualised risk-benefit analysis. For most adult patients, it is recommended that blood glucose levels should be between 4 mmol/L and 7 mmol/L if you have not eaten in several hours, and less than 10 mmol/L within one to two hours of a meal,” she says.
“A glucometer measures blood glucose levels in a tiny drop of blood, which the person extracts from their finger by pricking it with a clean lancet. Nowadays technology is providing helpful tools for diabetics. Some glucometers automatically digitally record blood sugar readings. There are also insulin pumps, which continuously monitor blood glucose levels and administer the correct amount of insulin as needed, without the person having to check their blood sugar and inject themselves.”
Glucometers, glucose testing strips, lancets and insulin pumps, are useful in tracking and controlling blood sugar. To help make it as easy as possible to adhere to prescribed treatment and manage diabetes Medipost Pharmacy offers these devices as well as free delivery of chronic medications – safely and confidentially – to any address in South Africa.
Correct dosage
“To be effective, chronic medicine must be taken at the right dosage continuously, even when you’re on holiday or out of your usual routine. Medipost Pharmacy offers telephonic assistance from the pharmacy team in all official languages, as well as free delivery of chronic medicines to any address in South Africa. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, reach out to your pharmacist who can give you advice, such as how to overcome potential side effects,” Steenkamp says.
As well as dispensing medicines to individuals privately, the service also includes assistance with registering PMB conditions, including diabetes to help conserve medical scheme members’ day-to-day benefits.
“I used to feel alone in my life as a diabetic, and I hope that sharing my personal experience can help someone else out there to persevere if they are struggling with a diabetes diagnosis. It can feel overwhelming, but take each day as it comes and do everything you can to remain healthy,” Steenkamp says.
